Water Consumption Tracker: A Behavioral Approach to Water Conservation
The Water Consumption Tracker project aims to address the growing concern of water scarcity in Morocco. The goal is to assist Moroccan households in altering their water consumption behaviors in a sustainable manner. By providing personalized information and practical tools, the application encourages households to adopt more responsible water use practices. This initiative contributes to environmental protection while ensuring the availability of water resources for future generations.
The Problem of Wasted Water
One of the major challenges that Moroccan households face is the excessive amount of water wasted due to irresponsible consumption habits. Water, being a vital yet limited resource, is often used inefficiently, which exacerbates the country’s water scarcity problem. The Water Consumption Tracker tackles this issue by making households aware of their water usage and offering practical solutions to optimize it.
Added Value: A Behavioral Change Approach
What sets this project apart is its focus on behavioral change. Instead of merely providing technical solutions, the app promotes water conservation as a pleasurable activity rather than a burdensome responsibility. The project adds value by encouraging users to take an active role in conserving water, thus making them more conscious of their daily consumption habits.
Innovation: Gamification for Engagement
One of the key innovations of the Water Consumption Tracker is the introduction of gamification. By incorporating game-like elements into the app, users are motivated to save water in an engaging and rewarding way. This strategy not only raises awareness but also transforms water conservation into an enjoyable challenge.
AI Integration: Smart Water Usage Insights
To enhance the effectiveness of the app, the team plans to incorporate Machine Learning (ML) models, such as the Random Forest Regressor, to analyze patterns in water consumption based on household characteristics. Furthermore, they aim to integrate Generative AI (GenAI) using a Large Language Model (LLM) to act as a chatbot, providing personalized tips for optimizing water usage. This intelligent assistant will help users make informed decisions about their water consumption, tailoring suggestions to individual needs.
Technical Details
The technical foundation of the Water Consumption Tracker is built on several key components: data collection through the app’s user interface, optimization of water consumption recommendations through the ML model, and continuous monitoring of water usage using IoT sensors, which are linked to the app’s notification system. The data collected from users will also be used to improve the performance of the ML model, making future predictions even more accurate.
Impact: Reducing Water Waste
The Water Consumption Tracker has the potential to reduce household water waste by 20-50%. Through a combination of notifications, ranking systems, and user feedback mechanisms, the app educates users about their consumption habits. This approach can lead to long-term behavioral changes, ensuring that households make more sustainable choices regarding water usage.
The Ghayt Team
The project is led by the GHAYT Team from Ibn Tofail University at the National School of Applied Sciences Kenitra (ENSAK). Together, the team is committed to creating a lasting impact on water conservation efforts in Morocco, leveraging technology and behavioral science to make a difference.