ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Founded by Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering undergrad Sarah Cary in August 2008, the EWB Oklahoma State University Student Chapter (EWB -OSU) started with seven officers and has exploded to over 100 engineering members by the end of 2011. The chapter has conducted four expeditions to Seis de Mayo, Honduras where a specialized biosand point-of-use filtration system has been successfully implemented. The chapter is currently supporting the water quality project by partnering with the local patronato to expand production, providing clean water to the rest of the community and neighboring villages.

FILTERS

BIOSAND

Oklahoma State University STORY

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Biological Activity Mechanical Filtration Ionic Immobilization Hydraulic Pressure

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http://www.ewbosu.okstate.edu/
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HONDURAS PROGRAM
WATER PURIFICATION | Seis de Mayo, Honduras
This project aims to provide point-of-use water filtration technology to every household in the community of Seis de Mayo. The solution provided has to be constructed from sustainable materials and dependably provide clean drinking water. The solution our teams have come up with follows a strict design criteria of sustainability. The Seis de Mayo Biosand Filter can be constructed using materials readily available in Honduras. Our 2011 implementation trip established a pilot project of nine filters within nine households. This has allowed for us to determine future acceptance of the technology, test the filters viability, and promote our goals. Production of the filters are ramping up and we anticipate more people will benefit from the project than just the ones we have met, both in country and back at home.

CURRENT PROGRESS
March 2009: Pre-Assessment Trip March 2010: Assessment Trip March 2011: Implementation Trip Phase I January 2012: Monitoring Trip March 2012: Implementation Trip Phase II Future: Who knows? Join and help us discover what happens next.

CHAPTER PARTNERS