A student-led exploration of smarter ways to collect freshwater—so communities can rely less on vulnerable groundwater.
In coastal Khulna and nearby communities, the water beneath the ground is under increasing pressure—and safe alternatives can be hard to reach.
Heavy dependence on groundwater can contribute to declining water tables. Coastal salinity intrusion and naturally occurring iron or arsenic can affect water quality. For many low-income households, travelling farther or paying more for safe water adds a disproportionate burden. Irregular rainfall and a changing climate make dependable sources even less certain, while rain, fog and other available water often go unused.
Save the Aquifer brings together four complementary approaches to freshwater collection and purification, adapting to seasonal changes and local conditions to reduce dependence on groundwater and support a more water-secure future.
Sunlight evaporates water; vapour condenses on a cooler surface, leaving many salts and non-volatile contaminants behind.
A fine mesh can catch tiny fog droplets and guide them to a collection point with minimal energy.
Roof or surface catchments channel rainfall into covered tanks for storage and later use.
Reverse osmosis may supplement collection systems where appropriate. All treated water still needs suitable quality testing.
The prototype combines passive solar heating with a solar panel, battery and electric heating rod to support evaporation when sunlight is weak.
Sunlight passes through sloped transparent glass and warms water held in a dark basin.
A photovoltaic panel converts sunlight into electricity for the heating rod and system components.
An electric heating rod raises the water temperature to encourage faster evaporation and potentially greater yield.
A rechargeable battery stores solar electricity and can help operate components during weaker sunlight.
Water vapour rises, leaving many dissolved salts and non-volatile contaminants in the basin, then condenses on the cooler inner glass.
Droplets run down the sloped glass into a collection channel and a clean storage container.
Passive solar heat, PV electricity, battery storage and electrical backup work together. Always test the water before drinking.
Current conditions and a 7-day forecast for Jhenaidah, followed by a model-based river-flow and rainfall outlook.
This is an indicative estimate from forecast rainfall and the nearest modelled river-flow grid—not an official flood warning or a precise local flood probability.
A student team bringing together leadership, hands-on making, research, electronics, design and communication.
MENTORMentor — guided the team's project development and shared advice throughout the process.
TEAM LEADERTeam leader & project management — coordinated the workflow, reviewed contributions and brought the project together.
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENTDesigned and developed the project website to present the problem, proposed solution, project details and team contributions clearly.
STRATEGIC ADVISORProvided valuable insights, strategic guidance, and thoughtful suggestions that helped shape the project and guide the team throughout its development.
ELECTRONICSElectronics & technical implementation — contributed to the system's electronics and technical setup.
TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATIONElectronics & technical implementation — helped develop the project's technical setup and system.
DESIGN & PROTOTYPEDesign & prototype development — led the hands-on design and development of the physical model.
RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATIONResearch, documentation & content — researched the issue, collected information and contributed to project writing.
The project is supported by organizations helping students turn environmental ideas into practical action.
Supports the project through the NEO 2026 E-STEM Action Project Award, helping turn ideas into practical solutions for environmental challenges.
Supports environmental awareness and community engagement.
Contributes to the project's technical development and practical implementation.