Hurricane Season
Puerto Rico’s complex relationship with water is defined by abundance and fragility at the same time. Although the island receives significant rainfall and is crossed by river systems born in its central mountains, hurricanes repeatedly transform water from a life source into a survival challenge by damaging treatment plants, cutting electricity, blocking roads, and contaminating supply networks.
Severly Impacted
While hurricanes devastate the entire island, the mountainous interior, Cordillera Central, is often severely impacted. Its terrain magnifies both physical damage and post-storm isolation. Heavy rainfall triggers widespread landslides, roads become impassable, and communities lose access to the infrastructure and emergency support needed for recovery.
How might we improve access to safe, potable water for mountainous rural communities in Puerto Rico after hurricanes?
Problem
Statement
Concept
Sustainable solution through utilizing existing island resources.
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Unfiltered water is poured into the system's well
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Heavier debris settles first, reducing the load on the main filter system
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Water is manually pumped to the top tank
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The Tower’s height generates a passive flow
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Water enters the modular filtration pods
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The last tank serves as a reservoir for clean water
Tower breaks down into modular parts for transport, on-site assembly, for easier maintenance in remote communities
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Filtration
Designed as interchangeable, the pods make filtration easier to service, customize, and repair in low-resource or post-disaster conditions.
All of the materials could be found or produced with resources on the island. This increases accessibility and further reduces the overall cost
Gravel
Fine Sand
Activated
Carbon
Ceramic
Collection
In hurricane-prone regions, water security depends on both treatment and capture. When municipal systems fail and natural sources are unsafe or inaccessible, a dedicated collector provides a controlled intake for households and communities. Puerto Rico’s recurring storm outages highlight the need for decentralized water capture and treatment.
