Reusing of condensate water harvesting from spilt units for domestic and irrigation purposes: residential complex in Al-Mussiab Technical Institute and College, Iraq, as a case study

Abstract

The research deals with the sustainable development of water resources. It considers with the possibility to benefit from condensate water harvesting from split units for domestic and irrigation purposes in residential complex of Al–Mussiab Technical Institute and College located in the Babylon Government of Iraq, which is selected as a case study. Ten samples of the water are collected in the scaled containers distributed in selected houses and apartments during six months of test in summer and winter seasons. The required physical and chemical parameters of water quality that is suitable for domestic and irrigation purposes requirements are tested. The results of the tests showed that the physical parameters are within Iraqi Standards while only Sulfates for heating condensate water are out of Iraqi Standards of chemical parameters. The results are also showed that the condensate water from cooling is soft in terms of suitability for washing clothes; while the condensate water from heating spilt units is very hard and the soap does not soak in the water; but they could be used to wash the floors and toilet as well as in the air coolers because there is no salt in them. On the other hand, the results demonstrate the validity of condensate water for drinking animals; especially the Poultry. The amount of condensate water harvesting from the split units that is collected from the residential complex forms 11% from the total consumption of water and this quantity of water could be added to the available water in the residential complex. It is concluded from the research, the condensate water from the cooling spilt units is within the limits, while the heating water exceeded the specified specifications for irrigation water and household water pumps. The research recommends to consider the placement of pipes and reservoirs for condensation water when designing residential complex, and to conduct studies about the effect of reusing the condensate water in agriculture on soil.