Water conservation in ablution: an evaluation of mist spray devices and their financial impact on water usage and sustainability in communal facilities

Hussein Hassan, Basondowah and Abdul Hamid, Syamsul Bahrin (2025) Water conservation in ablution: an evaluation of mist spray devices and their financial impact on water usage and sustainability in communal facilities. Built Environment Journal, 22 (2). pp. 76-90. E-ISSN 2637-0395

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Abstract

This paper examines the efficacy of mist spray apparatuses in diminishing water consumption during the process of ablution, an activity that accounts for substantial water usage in religious sites and other communal facilities. The primary objective is to evaluate the potential of these mist spray devices for effective conservation of water in such settings. The methodology incorporates thermal camera image processing, paired with the use of mist spray devices, to monitor and quantify water usage during ablution at selected locations. The research design encompasses three (3) distinct objectives. In the empirical portion of the study, selected participants are mandated to perform ablution using both a conventional faucet and a faucet equipped with a mist spray device. Water consumption is measured for both methods. A comprehensive dataset is assembled, encompassing both pre- and post-ablution thermal camera images, which serves as the basis for machine learning training and validation. Furthermore, each participant is interviewed to assess their comfort level while using the mist spray device. The findings of the study indicate that the utilisation of mist spray devices can considerably mitigate water consumption by an impressive margin of more than 97%, without compromising user comfort or the validity of the ablution, as verified through machine learning processed thermal images. The study observed a peak water conservation measurement of 56.6 ml, equivalent to 0.10 Mudd. The study's findings also validate previous research, affirming that conventional faucet water consumption during a typical ablution averages 5L per person. Theoretically, implementing the proposed solution in Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque could drastically reduce water consumption to roughly 23,000 litres per month. This could result in substantial cost savings of approximately RM1219 per month or RM14,628 per year. These significant findings have profound implications for water sustainability and conservation, particularly in regions with scarce water resources

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Water consumption, Mist spray, Ablution, Water usage, Machine Learning
Subjects:	BPC Science and Technology in Islam > BPC175 Islam and engineering. Sustainable engineering. Sustainable building T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > TA190 Management of engineering works T Technology > TC Hydraulic engineering. Ocean engineering > TC401 River, lake, and water-supply engineering (General) T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD201 Water supply for domestic and industrial purposes
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Mechatronics Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr. Syamsul Bahrin Abdul Hamid
Date Deposited:	29 Dec 2025 11:27
Last Modified:	29 Dec 2025 11:27
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q1060
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126050

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