HINDSIGHT
SECOND CHANCE
Below are several corrections we would make given the opportunity to reconstruct our prototype:
- Increase buoyancy along the raft perimeters to help stabilize the structure against rough conditions.
- Consider alternate materials to PVC, which is known to leak toxic compounds.
- Avoid using oil-based sealants, or forgo sealing altogether.
- Use fewer screws and angle connectors to reduce weight.
FAILURES
Listed below is what we failed to achieve for this project...
- Never tested water treatment effectiveness of our system. This was the most heavily weighted factor on our decision matrix.
SUCCESSES
Listed below are what we consider accomplishments!
- Didn't quit.
- Remained under budget.
- Built a working prototype... on the first try!
- Project can be continued by another group.
LOOKING AHEAD
Plenty remains to be done, and potential work for future teams include:
- Designing a sustainable pumping mechanism (e.g. wind or solar powered).
- Improving the aesthetics of our current design or pursuing one of our alternate designs.
- Selecting vegetation that turtles can consume.
Additionally, our prototype can be taken in another direction and reconfigured for small scale home water treatment, which is another option.
In the meantime, Andrew will continue working with Holly and Morro Coast Audubon Society (MCAS) as an independent study by taking water samples and measuring the volume of the pond. This continued work will hopefully provide MCAS with valuable information they may pass on to future teams.