SAVE
WATER
SFU ENGINEERING COMPETITION
2025
JUNIOR DESIGN
PROMPT
Building a homemade water filtration system with everyday materials highlights
how simple engineering can address real environmental and community needs.
Clean water is limited, and creating effective filters from common items
encourages creative problem-solving while teaching the value of conservation
and reducing waste. These low-cost, accessible designs also show how
engineering can support communities with limited access to safe drinking water,
especially in emergencies or remote areas. Ultimately, this challenge
demonstrates that engineering is not just technical—it is a practical way to create
meaningful, positive impact.
Your task:
Design and build a functional water filtration system using only common
household materials. Your solution should improve water clarity and
quality while demonstrating thoughtful engineering, creativity, and an
understanding of sustainable design principles.
RULES
Max team size of 3-4 people
All materials needed will be given, and if in need of extra
materials, come to the material table
All submissions must be in by the stated deadline
DELIVERABLES
A working prototype
All presentations must be submitted by 6:45PM on November 15th via
email to the chair at internal@esss.ca
RUBRIC & CRITERIA
Flow Rate
/20
Measures the speed at which filtered water passes through the system. A higher flow rate
indicates better efficiency.
Usability
/25
The design criteria for the water filtration system prioritize a balance between effective
filtration and practical deployment, focusing on user convenience and portability.
pH of Water
/15
Evaluate the pH of the water. The pH of clean tap water is approximately 8. Closer to the ideal
pH, higher score.
Visual Clarity
/15
A subjective assessment by judges based on the overall visual cleanliness and purity of the
filtered water (absence of suspended particles, cloudiness, etc.).
Design Innovation
/25
Rewards creative and novel approaches to water filtration. This includes unique material usage,
construction methods, or design elements that enhance performance or sustainability.
PRESENTATION QUALITY
How clear, organized, and professional is the presentation?
Are the design choices and expected water savings well-explained?
/15
MATERIALS
Mesh Screen
Fabric
River stones (Upon Request)
Sponges
Coffee Filter
Randomized Water Bottle
Plastic Cup
Popsicle Sticks
Tape
Scissors (Upon Request)
Glue Guns (Window Corner)
Plastic Straws (Upon Request)
Sand