Safe Agua Colombia: Calientamigos Water Heater & Pressurized Shower

Safe Agua Colombia: Calientamigos Water Heater & Pressurized Shower

Safe Agua Colombia: Calientamigos Water Heater & Pressurized Shower is an innovative social design solution that addresses the critical need for accessible hot water and improved sanitation in underserved communities. This comprehensive system consists of three modular components: a portable electric water heater, a foot-operated pressure pump, and a multi-purpose faucet head, working in harmony to provide an efficient and affordable solution for heating and pressurizing water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning purposes. Developed through extensive field research in informal settlements near Bogota, Colombia, this system directly addresses the challenges faced by families living without hot running water, particularly focusing on reducing the time spent on water heating from six hours to mere minutes. The design's technical innovation lies in its efficient heating mechanism and modular construction, utilizing materials such as ABS, nylon tubing, and polyethylene, with components designed for cost-effective manufacturing and easy maintenance. The system's compact dimensions (Bomba: 6x6x7, Corazon: 8x4x4, Gota: 3.25x3.25x5) and lightweight construction (approximately 2 lbs total without tubing) ensure practical everyday use. This social innovation, recognized with a Silver A' Design Award in the Social Design category, demonstrates exceptional merit in addressing global sanitation challenges while maintaining affordability with a target market price of $25, making it accessible to families living on $4-10 per day. The design's significance extends beyond its immediate functionality, as it promotes dignity, improves hygiene practices, and supports community health, particularly benefiting children's school attendance and families' overall well-being.

social innovation, water sanitation, affordable design, modular system, community development, sustainable solutions

— Adam Dawson