Author(s): Myshela Todd, Ryan Jamison, Schuyler Baer
Mentor(s): Wendy Schatzberg, Rachel Ramsay
Institution UTech
As of 2022, rising global temperatures have placed two of the United States' largest reservoirs at risk of reaching "dead pool status," where water levels drop too low to flow downstream, threatening access to drinkable water and electricity generation (UNEP, 2022). Conventional approaches to water conservation typically focus on one area at a time. For example, many agricultural practices employ water-saving technologies like drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to plant roots to minimize water. While these methods can be effective on large farms, they are often not easily adapted to home gardens or smaller-scale use. Acknowledging this, PonixPros offers an innovative, accessible solution: a greywater-based hydroponic system designed to maximize water conservation and maintain optimal growth conditions with automated pH monitoring system, in off grid or RV settings. By recycling greywater through affordable cartridge filters and integrating it with hydroponic technology, the system enables users to reuse water efficiently while growing plants at home. To elevate the system, PonixPros incorporates a pH automation system into its design, ensuring preferred plant conditions. This system features real-time monitoring and precise pH adjustment capabilities, eliminating the guesswork and reducing human error in maintaining plant health. By combining greywater recycling, hydroponics, and pH automation, PonixPros provides an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution that empowers individuals to practice sustainable water conservation and efficient indoor cultivation. PonixPros’ innovative design combines water conservation, sustainability, and ease of use into a single solution. Unlike conventional approaches that address individual aspects of the water shortage issue, this system integrates multiple technologies to create a holistic, user-friendly product. By empowering individuals to conserve water and grow plants efficiently, PonixPros contributes to a future where sustainable practices are seamlessly integrated into daily life. This groundbreaking solution offers a practical way to address the global water crisis, proving that innovation and accessibility can go hand in hand to create meaningful change.