2020 has been a tough year for all of us. Despite the challenges, AguaClara Reach has accomplished a lot this year, from expanding our partnerships to progressing the AguaClara Infrastructure Design Engine (AIDE). We could not have done this work without the support of our generous donors, and in order to continue our work into 2021 and beyond, we rely on the generosity of people like you who recognize the value of safe drinking water for all. We’re excited to announce the start of our End of Year Campaign, and we’d like to invite you to join us!
Read below to learn about some of the projects that our supporters have helped fund in 2020, as well as the future projects that the End of Year Campaign will support in 2021:
What has ACR been working on this year?
AguaClara Infrastructure Design Engine (AIDE)
In Summer 2020, a team of AguaClara Cornell (ACC) students and AguaClara Reach members worked on developing Version 2 of AIDE. The new version utilizes free software and open source computer languages (Onshape, FeatureScript, and Python), in lieu of paid software (MatchCAD, AutoCAD), to create a low-cost platform, which will enable users to to rapidly design customized AguaClara water treatment plants based on minimal design parameters and will allow us to bring AguaClara technology to even more communities around the world.
On January 10, our ACR India Program Project Manager, Fletcher Chapin, arrived in Bhubaneswar, India to continue our work with Gram Vikas (GV) to deliver safe drinking water to the Indian communities of Patimul and Majhi Ukhura. Fletcher assisted in managing the construction and startup of two Hydrodoser systems. His work involved training the GV engineers on construction, operation, and system design. GV also conducted site selection surveys for identifying potential locations for new Hydrodoser installations.
Research, Invent, Design, Empower (RIDE)
AguaClara Reach has a new committee! The RIDE committee, led by Matt Cimini, will be focusing on developing the framework for expanding the AguaClara research program to additional universities, schools, and institutions. ACR Volunteer Patrick Sours is leading the AguaClara research program at Ohio State University (OSU). This year, OSU students began work on an AguaClara plant design for their capstone design coursework.
What does ACR hope to accomplish in 2021?
AIDE Version 2
The AIDE team will continue developing Version 2 of AIDE. The short-term goals include completing the CAD model for the chemical dosing system and writing design code for the filter system. The AIDE team will also work on optimizing existing models and improving the efficiency of the design engine.
Small-scale Treatment Plant (1-5 liters per second) Designs
ACR has received requests through Agua Para el Pueblo (APP, Honduras) and Gram Vikas (GV, India) for designs of small-scale treatment plants with a capacity ranging from 1 to 5 liters per second. Developing new designs for these small-scale treatment plants will enable us to reach smaller communities who need access to safe and affordable drinking water on tap.
New Partner Development
ACR is working on introducing AguaClara Technology to new communities and locations around the world by developing its network of local partnerships. ACR is currently pursuing new opportunities in Colombia and Indigenous communities in the US. These partnerships expand ACR’s capacity to provide services to critically underserved communities.
Research and Innovation
ACR will continue to collaborate with and support AguaClara Cornell’s research program as it navigates recent changes to the organization. Under the new Technology Committee, led by Monroe Weber-Shirk, ACR Volunteers will provide technical support and guidance to ACC research teams. ACR will also support the development and innovation of AC technology in research and educational institutions around the world.
How can you help?
This work takes capital, as does AguaClara Reach’s training and support in future projects. With the generous donations from supporters like you, AguaClara Reach will be able to meet all of these milestones and opportunities to reach even more people with safe and affordable drinking water on tap. Here are some ways you can help:
Contribute to our End of Year Campaign!
Reach out to your company for corporate donations.
Spread the word to your network about ACR’s work.
Thank you to all our incredible supporters, partners, and volunteers! All our work is made possible through your support and passion for safe water. We’re looking forward to a productive and innovative 2021, and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the coming year! If you would like additional information about AguaClara Reach or our fundraising effort, please contact us at info@aguaclarareach.org.
Blog Post Authors: Cheer Tsang, Linping Xu, Subhani Katugampala, and John Finn