A water spraying system is an energy-efficient, economical and environmentally friendly method for improving thermal comfort in urban environments and is an effective local countermeasure to provide relief on hot days. Spray misting already exists in many restaurants at the Darwin Waterfront, allowing diners a chance to sit outside to enjoy the view while staying cool.

Misting cooling systems can also be used to cool people in street canyon, while the cooling benefit is greatest for people located directly under the mist people in the middle of the street may feel the cooling effect because of the dispersion and accumulation of the cooled air. Research suggests that under drier conditions the water spray systems will have higher cooling performance, which may limit the cooling potential for pedestrians during the build-up and wet season. There is the need to manage the health risks of the misting systems, which can include Legionella.

Image: Tokyo, Japan. 16th June, 2019. People stroll under water mist sprayers to cool down at the Nakadori street of Marunouchi business and shopping district in Tokyo on Sunday, June 16, 2019, Credit: Yoshio Tsunoda/AFLO/Alamy Live News (Licenced TDKFAX)