Reuse of Ablution Water for Landscaping in Hayatabad Peshawar - A Step Towards Climate Change Adaptation

Rapid urbanization and climate change have intensified water scarcity challenges in Pakistan, particularly in cities like Peshawar. This study assesses the feasibility of reusing mosque (masjid) ablution water to irrigate nearby green belts in Hayatabad, Peshawar, as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional tubewell irrigation. Spatial analysis showed that most green belts are located within a 450-meter radius of mosques, enabling the use of low-energy pumping systems. Economic analysis indicated that reusing ablution water could reduce daily transport and pumping costs by more than thirteenfold, significantly decreasing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Water quality tests found that ablution water had BOD levels of 4.6–6 mg/L and COD of 10–12 mg/L, remaining within acceptable limits for non-potable irrigation use. Overall, the results demonstrate that the reuse of ablution water is technically feasible, environmentally beneficial, and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 and SDG 13). This approach offers a scalable model to improve urban water resilience and reduce pressure on groundwater resources in water-stressed regions