MSU Water Fountain Challenge winners to be announced

What does the next water fountain look like? That’s the question that 2016 Stockholm Water Prize recipient Joan Rose asked students across the Michigan State University (MSU) campus.

water fountain

What does the next water fountain look like? That’s the question that 2016 Stockholm Water Prize recipient Joan Rose asked students across the Michigan State University (MSU) campus.

 

Later this month, she and a team of judges will get their answer. Last fall, Rose challenged students to design a water fountain of the future that’s innovative in both function and form. Finalists in the contest will be highlighted during the Fate of the Earth Conference at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 12.

 

Nine teams of graduate and undergraduate students advanced to the final round and are working to design a water fountain in one of three categories: community fountain, school drinking fountain and emergency response. Three grand prizes will be awarded to student teams – first will garner $15,000; second place, $7,000; and third, $5,000. 

 

“Water fountains serve as a community gathering space, providing access to wholesome water in public spaces,” said Rose, a professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. “In the face of increasing concerns over water contaminants, a redesign of the modern drinking fountain can bring people together.

 

“We know the answers to some of the most important questions – like maintaining clean drinking water in all situations – are right here on this campus. Our students represent the next generation of problem solvers.”

 

A closer look at the three categories:

  • Community Fountain: Teams in this category will partner with a community to design a new artistic central fountain that incorporates public drinking water and the needs of that community.
  • School Drinking Fountain: Students need access to sustainable safe drinking water at school, playgrounds and other public spaces. Teams will design a new drinking fountain concept that provides easy access for students.
  • Emergency Response: Teams in this category will design a drinking water fountain/delivery system that can easily fill reusable containers, be deployed during emergencies and be used in a variety of conditions and locations such as when electricity is unavailable, public water is unusable or the service area is flooded. 

 

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