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Water Works - making the journey matter
Water Works - making the journey matter
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Water Works - making the journey matter
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We propose a low-tech, low-cost, self sufficient approach to water delivery in the dramatic topography of a village in the Nepalese Himalayas, unveiling synergies inherent in the specific challenges of two source-tap-relationships.Maximum visibility of the technology and hands-on experience of all community members makes for educational value, while parts are durable and maintenance will be extremely simple. Bamboo as a local material is used for all main structures, complemented
by readily available and low-cost components such as water storage
tanks and PVC hose. The social aspect of water fetching is enhanced by an inviting and recognizable design of the tap and pumping sites.CHALLENGE 1: Source is far away from tap siteMAKING THE WATER’S JOURNEY MATTERFiltration, education, art and culture, and services to the community are incorporated along the path of the water pipe, while increasing efficiency and facilitating maintenance.An easy-to-build bamboo funnel catches the water from any small or large stream and channels it into a transparent hose, which functions as a hand rail along the steep and sometimes slippery path connecting source to village.The water is exposed to UV light and desinfected on its journey. Fieldworkers may refresh themselves at simple taps attached to the handrail structure, and excess water activates a bamboo musical fountain, which, through the sounds it makes, confirms that there are no leaks. Should leaks occur, they are easily found and fixed because the water will drip from the elevated hose. In very dry regions where the source supply might not be sufficient, additional water can be collected by low-tech fog catchers, which are constructed with plastic nets and bamboo posts. The tap is located in the center of the village and designed as a gathering space with seating and a canopy.Although desinfected, water for drinking and cooking will be mechanically filtered within each household. This decentralized filtration method is suitable for village settings which require flexibility and offer little storage space.CHALLENGE 2: Source is below tap siteSTEPPED WATER LIFTThis system will allow users to make super-efficient use of their time and power. Converting a standard electric pump and a few used bikes into a water pumping machine will make it a fun communal activity to lift the water from site precisely to the place where it is needed.The pump delivers roughly filtered water for shower and toilet use in the first step, and fully filtered water for drinking in the second step. It playfully engages school children and visitors in the process. Two or more bikes are joined together to push the water from a terrace-like platform with a canopy to storage tank #1, which connects to the shower and toilets on this level. The water needed for drinking and cooking is moved by a second bicycle pump (in the case of Bhulbhule located by the school and designed as a playground), to storage tank # 2, which has an integrated sand-and-charcoal filter, and a tap. This centralized filtration method allows for higher efficiency.With the efficient pumping system and the storage scaled for a day’s supply to buffer peak demand, 2,000l of water (enough for 150 school children and 50 showers) can be pumped by 4 people in 30 minutes.Rain water collection can complement water supply and reduce pumping hours during monsoon. Our bamboo canopy channels rain water into the filtration tank. This scalable, low maintainance, and flexibile system takes advantage of local skills and materials, and is designed to adapt to different villages throughout the region. It will bring a higher quality of life and help strengthen communities which are tied together by their water infrastructure.
by readily available and low-cost components such as water storage
tanks and PVC hose. The social aspect of water fetching is enhanced by an inviting and recognizable design of the tap and pumping sites.CHALLENGE 1: Source is far away from tap siteMAKING THE WATER’S JOURNEY MATTERFiltration, education, art and culture, and services to the community are incorporated along the path of the water pipe, while increasing efficiency and facilitating maintenance.An easy-to-build bamboo funnel catches the water from any small or large stream and channels it into a transparent hose, which functions as a hand rail along the steep and sometimes slippery path connecting source to village.The water is exposed to UV light and desinfected on its journey. Fieldworkers may refresh themselves at simple taps attached to the handrail structure, and excess water activates a bamboo musical fountain, which, through the sounds it makes, confirms that there are no leaks. Should leaks occur, they are easily found and fixed because the water will drip from the elevated hose. In very dry regions where the source supply might not be sufficient, additional water can be collected by low-tech fog catchers, which are constructed with plastic nets and bamboo posts. The tap is located in the center of the village and designed as a gathering space with seating and a canopy.Although desinfected, water for drinking and cooking will be mechanically filtered within each household. This decentralized filtration method is suitable for village settings which require flexibility and offer little storage space.CHALLENGE 2: Source is below tap siteSTEPPED WATER LIFTThis system will allow users to make super-efficient use of their time and power. Converting a standard electric pump and a few used bikes into a water pumping machine will make it a fun communal activity to lift the water from site precisely to the place where it is needed.The pump delivers roughly filtered water for shower and toilet use in the first step, and fully filtered water for drinking in the second step. It playfully engages school children and visitors in the process. Two or more bikes are joined together to push the water from a terrace-like platform with a canopy to storage tank #1, which connects to the shower and toilets on this level. The water needed for drinking and cooking is moved by a second bicycle pump (in the case of Bhulbhule located by the school and designed as a playground), to storage tank # 2, which has an integrated sand-and-charcoal filter, and a tap. This centralized filtration method allows for higher efficiency.With the efficient pumping system and the storage scaled for a day’s supply to buffer peak demand, 2,000l of water (enough for 150 school children and 50 showers) can be pumped by 4 people in 30 minutes.Rain water collection can complement water supply and reduce pumping hours during monsoon. Our bamboo canopy channels rain water into the filtration tank. This scalable, low maintainance, and flexibile system takes advantage of local skills and materials, and is designed to adapt to different villages throughout the region. It will bring a higher quality of life and help strengthen communities which are tied together by their water infrastructure.
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