Final Project Sketch¶
Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all, yet this goal remains unmet in many parts of Africa. From where I come from—Kisumu, Kenya—access to safe drinking water is still a daily challenge due to variable water quality, limited treatment infrastructure, and the absence of real-time monitoring and control. Many communities depend on pump-based water supplies without reliable mechanisms to ensure that the water delivered is consistently safe for consumption.
This project presents a portable, modular water purification and control system designed to be installed directly onto existing water pumps, improving water safety without requiring new infrastructure. The system enhances water quality through electrocoagulation to reduce suspended particles and heavy metals, followed by physical filtration. Water clarity is continuously assessed using a turbidity sensor, while a flow sensor ensures stable and controlled water delivery.
A microcontroller-based closed-loop control system automatically manages pumps and electronically controlled valves using real-time sensor feedback. Water is permitted to flow only when predefined safety conditions are met; otherwise, flow is immediately restricted and users are alerted. A real-time dashboard provides clear visibility into system status and water quality, enabling transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making at the community level.
Designed for affordability, portability, local manufacturability, and scalability, the system can be replicated and deployed across diverse Kenyan and African contexts. By strengthening the safety of existing water sources through intelligent monitoring and control, this project directly contributes to advancing SDG 6.1 and improving access to safe drinking water for underserved communities.
Sketch¶
## START – Water Source
The system begins with any available water source such as a borehole, river intake, storage tank, or community well. At this stage, the water quality is unknown and may contain suspended particles, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
## Existing Pump
An existing pump (already installed at the site) lifts water from the source. The proposed system is designed to attach downstream of this pump, meaning no major infrastructure replacement is required.
## Pump 1 (System Intake Control)
Pump 1 is part of the portable module and provides controlled intake pressure and flow into the treatment system. It ensures stable operating conditions for electrocoagulation and filtering, regardless of fluctuations from the existing pump.
## Electrocoagulation Unit
Water flows into the electrocoagulation (EC) chamber, where a low-voltage electric current is applied across metal electrodes.
Function:
Dissolves electrode material to form coagulants
Causes fine particles, colloids, and heavy metals to bind together (flocculation)
Converts difficult-to-remove contaminants into larger, filterable particles
This process significantly improves water clarity and reduces chemical contamination without adding external chemicals.
## Primary Physical Filter
The water then passes through a physical filter designed to capture:
Coagulated flocs formed in the EC unit
Suspended sediments and debris
This step prevents downstream sensors and valves from clogging and improves the accuracy of turbidity measurement.
## Turbidity Sensor (Water Clarity Check)
After filtration, a turbidity sensor measures how clear the water is by detecting light scattering caused by suspended particles.
Decision Point:
If turbidity is above the acceptable limit:
The solenoid valve is closed
Water flow is stopped or redirected
The system waits or recirculates water for further treatment
If turbidity is within acceptable limits:
Water is considered suitable for downstream disinfection
The system proceeds to flow regulation
This ensures that only sufficiently clear water moves forward.
## Flow Sensor (Flow Measurement & Regulation)
The flow sensor measures the real-time water flow rate. This data is critical because downstream disinfection systems (such as UV–TiO₂) require specific flow ranges to operate effectively.
## Flow Control Valve (Electronically Controlled)
Based on flow sensor data, an electronically controlled valve adjusts the water flow to remain within the desired range.
Purpose:
Prevents under- or over-flow
Acts as the final control gate of the module