WEE (Water Emitting Entity) - Rainwater Harvesting & Filtering with Spirulina Algae

Final design of 'Blobs' that capture rain and filter it through ridges in which algae can live

Rainwater harvesting is a common method of storing water. Although a very efficient and reliable water supply for small communities in arid regions, it is subject to pollution from human activities. Phagi, a village in northwestern India largely relies on harvested rain water, collected during monsoon, for their basic water and sanitary needs.

Phagi Village water well

Industrial and agricultural leachate has caused stored water to reach unhealthy contamination levels. Green microalgae has the ability to break down these pollutants and render it safe for use. We propose a water purification system, WEE (Water Emitting Entity) that harnesses the algae’s ability to cleanse the water of heavy metals, phosphates, and nitrates. By analyzing possible human-algae interactions, we explain how WEE, a living water purification artefact, could look and function. We spoke to experts in the field of water conservation working in the chosen context to validate our concept. WEE allows humans to mediate everyday activities through algae.

Schematic of placement of WEE in current system of rain water harvesting

With a more-than-human approach we propose a solution for water pollution, and cultivate a sustainable and empowering relationship between humans and algae.