wcm.04.2025.774.778

In the face of growing water scarcity, particularly in hot and humid regions, the recovery and reuse of air conditioning condensate is emerging as a promising sustainability strategy. This often-overlooked byproduct of cooling systems, typically discarded as waste, presents opportunities for alternative applications such as landscape irrigation, facility maintenance, and industrial cooling. A longitudinal six-year study explored air conditioning condensate’s water resource potential, revealing that a two-ton unit consistently generates in excess of 2 liters of condensate per hour, suggesting significant untapped water harvesting opportunities. Building on these findings, this investigation explored sustainable water management by creating and deploying an innovative system that harvests condensate from residential air condition units and repurposes it for garden irrigation. The project verified condensate collection rates for newly installed 2-ton and 3-ton air conditioning units. Results demonstrate that harnessing air conditioner condensate can significantly contribute to water conservation efforts and promote eco-friendly practices in urban environments. This approach not only addresses water scarcity issues but also prevents the unsightly and potentially damaging effects of condensate dripping onto building exteriors. By reimagining this waste product as a valuable resource, the study highlights a practical method for enhancing sustainability in modern city planning and development.