WaterCycle

Water purification aids during flood

A solution to purify available floodwater to potable water for people in flood-stricken area.

#emergencysituations #floods #potablewater #waterpurification #light

Team

Ashwathy Satheesan, Himadri Patel

Guide

Dr. Vikram Singh Parmar

National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad

Year

2017

Recognition

Taiwan International Student Design Competition 2017 | Finalist

Taiwan International Student Design Competition 2019 | Finalist

Frequency of floods is increasing every year due to climate changes and human activities. 1.6 million people are affected by floods every year. With recurring floods and millions getting affected by it, rescue for so many people has always been a challenge. Directly after the disaster strikes, during the response phase, due to no electricity and contamination of water sources, the basic need for drinking water is left unattended. Moreover, packaged drinking water bottles affect the environment and add on to the waste.

Watercycle - Glow and Watercycle - Relief are designed to support life in such flood situations.

For recurrent flood situations

WaterCycle Glow is a portable, affordable and reusable water purifier. It uses available resources to fulfill basic necessities of drinking water for common people. It directs to complete the circle of water like how nature does it.

In places with recurrent floods, People can use it as per their requirement to instantly filter dirty flood water and turn it into potable drinking water at any time without electricity. The product also serves as a light source in darkness.

Crank and Drink

Potable water is collected in the bottle which can be consumed whenever required. The form of the product allows winding of pipe around the bottle which functions as a handle for the structure later.

Light !

While filtering water, energy is stored in a battery which serves as a light in darkness. The transparency of bottle and the diffusing rod attached to the end of LED works like a bulb and provides enough light for a family.

How it works ?

WaterCycle Glow consists of two step filtration. It removes bacteria and protozoan cysts that produce waterborne diseases. Water Cycle Glow therefore reduces the risk of contracting illnesses from flood water. During filtration, it intelligently stores enough energy for light source which is attached to a flexible diffusing rod.

Benefits

Prototype

The changed situation

For unexpected flood situations

WaterCycle - Relief is a simple yet very useful product for unexpected ﬂood situations which can be distributed by disaster response forces for people who are stuck in shelter places or at home.

This product is for instant water purification from dirty flood water to potable water in less than 5 minutes. It works on pump mechanism. Simple and minimal design of the product enables people of all age groups to use the product easily.

T - Shape

The form of the product not only gives it stability but also makes it easy to hold and use while pumping. The form itself speaks how it is used which helps during such emergency flood situations.

Packaging

The packaging is made of cardboard which absorbs impact during distribution like airdrop. The pipe and preﬁlter is wound on the tubes and packed inside. It also contains illustrated instructions for use on top.

Ergonomics

The packaging contains a integrated handle for easy carrying. The base of the product is at a tilt which gives proper angle to pump in both use case scenarios.

Usage scenario

The product is designed to utilize available space in the best way. It can be supported on floor or on the wall while pumping. The rough base grip ensures good hold maximise the energy while pumping.