Imagine rural India where people have to walk long distances, carrying vessels, to fetch water. The water most of the times may not be potable. Can the long walk be replaced with cycling? We know that cycles are low-maintenance and no-fuel means of transportation. How about adding a storage tank and a filter to the cycle? Pretty darn idea coming from IDEO. They have designed a tricycle named Aquaduct which transports, filters and stores water.
IDEO explains how this tricycle sanitizes and transport water simultaneously:
“As the rider pedals, a pump attached to the pedal crank draws water from a large tank, through a carbon filter, to a smaller clean tank. A clutch engages and disengages the drive belt from the pedal crank, enabling the rider to filter the water while traveling or while stationary. The clean tank is removable and closed for contamination-free home storage and use.”
Now I am left wondering how we can adapt the tricycle in Indian context where mostly young girls do the job of collecting water. Can they ride the tricycle with large amount of water stored? In rural area there may not be flattened roads or paths for smooth ride. How would the people fill up the container at the back? Which means do they need to carry extra gear to fill the tank?
I really liked the idea but for it to be suitable in Indian context, there needs more deliberation.
