ABU DHABI 1 June 2017: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to reduce the consumption of ablution water at mosques in Abu Dhabi was signed by Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC), a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea), the Abu Dhabi General Services Company, Musanada, and the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments.
The project seeks to rationalise 50 per cent of the water used in mosques by replacing the water taps in ablution places with other highly efficient ones featuring automatic valves. It also seeks to raise awareness among worshipers about the importance of rationalising water consumption.
The move is also part of the rationalisation programme, launched by Adwea during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week that plans to help consumers optimise water and electricity consumption.
ADCC records for 2015 showed that the consumption of water in Abu Dhabi mosques reached 8.9 million cubic metres with an average consumption of 9,171 litres per day per mosque.
According to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), Sunnah, the consumption of water in the mosques should be at the rate of 600 cubic millimetres per capita ablution, which requires saving of 85 per cent of the water currently used in mosques, said Wam.
Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi, General Manager of the ADCC, said, “The programme aims to spread the culture and practices of optimal use of water in the mosques of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.”
The three-month pilot project ended in December 2016 in five mosques, Al Suwaidi said, adding that 259 ablution taps have been replaced with high-efficient ones that use low-flow techniques and self-closure. These requirements are in line with the sustainable “Estidama” specifications set by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.
By Sheena Amos