Aquaducks: Improving Water Quality, Together

Material Science Engineering major Tao Cai came to Innovation in Action with an interest in renewable energy. When Tao found Vanessa and Rosalia’s posting on an IiA forum, he knew they could design something great. “It was by complete chance that we started working together. They let me join their team and that was probably one of the luckiest things that came out of this year.” (Tao Cai) 

The three of them became the “Aquaducks” – with the name being inspired by Vanessa’s love for ducks. Having grown up in Ann Arbor, Vanessa and Tao were both told by their parents not to swim in the Huron River. As University of Michigan students, they saw the opportunity to upkeep the Huron River for everyone to enjoy. Through their project, the Aquaducks are envisioning a clean river that benefits the ecosystems it supports, as well as those who enjoy the river as a part of the community.

LEARNING FROM THE COMMUNITY

The Aquaducks began their time with the Center for Socially Engaged Design by asking how they could improve water quality. Rosalia quickly realized that they would have to target a specific aspect. “There are so many challenges to tackle. So, we decided to localize it to the Huron River.” (Rosalia) By narrowing their focus, the Aquaducks were able to choose a specific water quality problem: sewage overflows. 

While speaking with and learning from local stakeholders, the complexities of water contamination only deepened for the Aquaducks. Sometimes the amount of information was overwhelming. Tao articulated this feeling, saying “The more we learned, the more we realized there’s so much we don’t know.” However, this did not stop the Aquaducks. Instead, they chose to be inspired by what they still had to learn and ultimately became even more passionate about improving the Huron River. 

As they created simulations and a prototype to treat wastewater and overflows, the Aquaducks learned how to take on challenges through a socially engaged approach. The concept of socially engaged design drew Tao to Innovation in Action originally and is something that he will take with him past this experience. Tao said that “I’ll definitely take at least a piece of socially engaged design into whatever solution I work on. Just by putting yourself in the perspective of somebody who your solution is for, you are given an advantage to actually solving the problem.” 

Fueled by their shared passion, the Aquaducks designed the Quality Water & Contamination Control device (QWACC for short) that processes contaminated water before it reaches the river. When there is overflow from a water treatment facility, untreated water often makes its way into the river system and subsequently affects the environment. By decontaminating these sewage overflows before they enter the Huron River, the QWACC protects the river and those who live in and around it. Not only does it improve the environment, but it is also easy to install, is completely self-sustaining, and is very low-maintenance.

JUST KEEP SWIMMING

Not only did the Aquaducks grow as designers, but they also found friendship in a time of isolation. Rosalia is grateful for the experience, saying how “COVID made it super hard to meet anyone but we were kind of forced to meet someone – and we met someone who is super cool.” The Aquaducks are talented and passionate designers as well as supportive friends. 

Moving forward, the Aquaducks plan to actually assemble their wastewater treatment prototype and perform tests on the device – both in the lab and on-site. Once they secure more funds, they will be able to get the momentum moving again and continue their important work.

Innovation in Action helped strangers become collaborators and turned collaborators into friends. With a shared passion for improving the world around them, these Aquaducks will continue to make a splash.