Sustainable Alternative Water Sources Use for Lowering Cost Pressure on Drinking Water and Volume Reduction—Technical and Profitable Feasibility

Abstract

Due to the growing scarcity of water, and the persistent high energy cost applied to drinking water, this study aimed to analyze the potential use of alternative sources of water like rainfall water and roofs drainage system, designed to combine with condensed water production of the air conditioners, at Federal Institute of Science and Technology of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Quantity and quality variables and parameters were measured on collected samples, and an evaluation process of the technical and profitable feasibility has been developed. The method is focused on water demand for different daily use, rainfall water from roofs drainage, measurements of dripping water from air conditioners, and sampling from both sources for chemical analysis of water quality. The results obtained from the experimental area designed for the study show a daily demand of water estimated at about 7,723.00 L. The rain drainage flow from roofs area was calculated, and equal to 177.81 L/min. The volume generated by air conditioners was estimated, equal to 289.36 L/day. All parameters for water quality remain standardly good so that water can be used for gardens irrigation, floors and rooms washing, so that preserving drinking water. The study demonstrates economic value of use of the alternative water resources and that sustainable based actions are at reach of any academic center.