A team of civil engineering students from the Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) qualified for the finals of the 3rd Hydraulic Design Competition, organized by the company Plastigama Wavin, a nationwide initiative that promotes the application of technical knowledge and creativity to develop sustainable solutions for water resource management.
The process included the presentation of the topic on November 25, 2025, and its approval on December 4 of the same year. The semifinal was held virtually before the jury on March 9, 2026, and on March 11, the team was notified of its qualification for the final round along with five other groups, out of a total of 40 participating teams. The final round will take place on April 17, 2026, at the Wyndham Hotel.
The proposal, titled “Project for the Implementation of Eco-Efficient Technologies for Water Management in Educational Institutions,” addresses issues related to continuous access to drinking water, wastewater management, and flood mitigation at a rural school in the Samborondón canton. The design calls for the dual use of rainwater and treated graywater, while maintaining the conventional network as a backup to ensure service continuity. Proposed solutions include a biogas digester, sedimentation and disinfection processes, storage for reuse in toilets, controlled infiltration, and drainage strategies to reduce water pooling during the rainy season.
The system incorporates green infrastructure and water points for irrigation and school gardens, strengthening the environmental and educational aspects of the initiative. The project would benefit approximately 100 students by improving sanitary conditions, helping to reduce risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases, and ensuring the continuity of academic activities during the rainy season. The competition evaluates criteria such as water and sanitation efficiency, feasibility of implementation, cost-benefit ratio, environmental performance, and the application of technical solutions.
The team consists of studens Eliana Alvarado Tenorio, Karolayn Gaibor Yambay, Genesis Cruel Pluas, Diego Zúñiga Peñaloza, and Bryan Alvear Gallardo, under the guidance of Rafael Fernando Cabrera Garcia, M.Sc. Participation in this type of initiative strengthens academic training through the practical application of civil engineering knowledge, in line with the institution’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions that benefit society.
Support the ESPOL delegation in this competition by liking the Plastigama Wavin Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWmOtFVj_bD.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action
