Page 51 - Towards A Sustainable Future 2024

Following the environmental review and a thorough By delivering water directly to the roots, evaporation and
understanding of the users’ concerns, the team opted to runoff are minimised.
conduct a feasibility study on integrating two existing and
proven methods for water conservation: i) a rain harvester
and ii) a drip irrigation system. Implementation of Eco Solutions

Eco-solution 1: Rain Harvester Following our various site surveys and interviews with
the mosque stakeholders, ranging from volunteers to
Rainwater harvesting presents an alternative source of water the mosque’s owner, the team concluded that the most
for use in commercial buildings and operational premises. It feasible, easily implementable, and potentially scalable
involves collecting, filtering, storing, and utilising rainwater eco-solutions would be installing a drip irrigation system,
for potable and non-potable purposes. and a standalone rainwater harvesting container. However,
to ensure the viability of this solution, the current manual
In Singapore, harvested rainwater is strictly designated for watering practices and consumption from using a garden
non-potable uses, such as toilet flushing, cooling tower hose for irrigation was measured, as shown in Table 3 and
makeup, landscape irrigation, and general washing, and Figure 6.
excludes activities like hand/face washing, showering,
bathing, and teeth brushing, as these may result in
accidental ingestion of the non-potable water). To prevent
unintentional use of harvested rainwater for potable
purposes, it is advisable to prominently display a “non-
potable use only/not for drinking” sign at the point of use.

Eco-solution 2: Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation involves frequent, slow water application
directly to the root zone area through small flexible pipes
and flow control devices (emitters). This method ensures
a constant moisture level to the plant’s root, promoting
optimal growth or maintenance.

Figure 6: Manual watering consumption
(10 L/min)
Table 3: Data collated for manual watering of one garden-
bed

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