Domestic use of water from air conditioning equipment for watering plants.

• Marcos Bitter Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda, Venezuela.
• Alberto Jiménez Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda, Venezuela.
• Ricardo Bitter Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda, Venezuela.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8038961

Keywords: water economy, alternative water source, water conservation, air conditioner water

Abstract

Air conditioner equipment produce a large volume of water, which depending on its quality could be used in domestic activities, reducing the use of potable water. The objective of the present work was to evaluate if air conditioner water, based on its physicochemical characteristics, can be used activities, such as plants´ irrigation. The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the water were within the sanitary requirements of the legal regulations, which makes if to qualify as good quality water. The results of the analysis obtained potable water exceeded those of the conditioner water. The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the water were within the sanitary requirements of the legal regulations, which makes it to qualify as good quality water, it isn’t distilled water. The results of the analyses obtained for potable water exceeded those of the air conditioner water. The growth (height in cm) of the plants of Caraota (Phaseolus vulgaris), Albahaca (Ocimun basilium) y Buenas tardes (Catharanthus roseus). Was measured and a positive effect was noticed. The effect was greater in plants of Caraota than other species of plants in the same period.The alternative of using air conditioner water in irrigation activities is in line with saving drinking water or reducing the pressure on its supply. The effect on some plants irrigated with air conditioner water poses an interesting alternative to water conservation activities. The fact that there are plant’s species sensitive to this type of water opens the opportunity for a further investigation on this subject in order to complete the whole picture on the use of air conditioner water to save potable water.

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