Dique Sustentable, a grouping of high school students, was selected as the winning team of the eighth edition of Solve for Tomorrow in Mexico. The students, Melannie, Vanessa, Eric, Evelyn and Génesis, identified their town had a problem with freshwater supply. Read on to learn about the ideas these bright minds had and how they cared for the community to solve the problem.

Congratulations on the big win! To begin with, what inspired you to start the Dique Sustentable project?

One of the dams located off the Estero el Camalote, a stream in our region, constantly ruptures. Due to the sea pressure and the low level of water in the lagoon, the salty water from the sea floods inwards and contaminates the fresh water. The water that reaches our homes had a level of salinity high enough to burn our skin in the shower, and the price of purified water has peaked. We wanted to create a solution for the neighborhood to access clean, purified water.

How did you tackle the problem? What solution did you create?

Our idea was to create a wall durable enough to withstand the water pressure and different climates, made of eco-friendly materials for the sake of the environment. That’s why we chose clay and PET as the main ingredient to build a dam-like wall. We created a prototype and tested the effectiveness of the wall in different settings. The mold, set between saltwater and freshwater stayed intact, enduring different temperatures and weather conditions. It passed the resistance and consistency test!

We think our solution is suited, not just to our region but also to markets or regions with frequent flooding. The walls can help prevent floods and protect the household in those areas.

What did you like the most about the project?

Our starting point of the project was chemistry. We investigated which chemical elements would be the best fit for the project. It was fun to learn about the different characteristics of each material. The experience was even more special for Eric, who now wishes to become an engineer in petrochemicals. Spending days and weeks together to study and execute the project was also fun, feeling the strong team spirit.

What would you like to tell other students who will compete in the next Solve for Tomorrow?

Nothing is impossible! Follow your instincts and believe in your idea. You may encounter mistakes and errors but in the end, you will find yourself achieving the goal.