A Circular, Renewable, and Nature-Based Solution for Water and Food Security
BACKGROUND
Rural and coastal communities—especially those vulnerable to saltwater intrusion and limited freshwater supplies—face increasing challenges in securing clean water for domestic use, agriculture, and food production. Water scarcity and pollution have intensified due to climate change, population growth, and untreated wastewater, placing tremendous pressure on local livelihoods and ecosystems.
In response to these challenges, STARS WATER proposes an innovative, eco-integrated water management system that provides a sustainable, decentralized alternative to conventional water infrastructure. By merging nature-based treatment, renewable energy, and food production into one unified system, STARS WATER offers a resilient approach to local water security.
MAIN BENEFICIARY
The system primarily benefits:
- Rural and coastal households experiencing freshwater shortages
- Small farmers and community cooperatives that depend on consistent water supply
- Schools and community gardens seeking educational and practical sustainability solutions
STARS WATER empowers communities to manage water resources locally, reducing dependency on external supplies and strengthening climate resilience.
SOLUTION PROPOSAL
STARS WATER introduces a low-cost, scalable eco-integrated water management prototype that operates as a circular water loop. This system is designed to collect, treat, reuse, and repurpose water while simultaneously supporting food production.
Core Components
- Water Collection and Storage Unit
- Captures rainwater and domestic greywater
- Stores raw water for treatment and agricultural reuse
- Nature-Based Treatment System (Constructed Wetlands / Eco-Park Wetland)
- Utilizes wetland plants and natural filtration to remove pollutants
- Enhances biodiversity and improves local water quality
- Offers a visually educational and community-centered green space
- Solar-Powered Aquaponics System
- Integrates fish and plant production in a symbiotic loop
- Reuses up to 70% of treated water
- Operates pumps and sensors using clean solar energy
Unique System Integration
Together, these components create a closed, sustainable water cycle that:
- Treats wastewater naturally
- Reduces freshwater consumption
- Supports food production through aquaponics
- Operates off-grid using renewable energy
- Minimizes environmental impact while generating community value
The innovation addresses critical challenges such as the lack of freshwater for farming, high water demand, pollution from untreated greywater, and climate-related stress on water resources.
PROTOTYPE IMPLEMENTATION
The current prototype demonstrates the feasibility of integrating:
- Solar-powered pumping and monitoring
- Wetland-based natural filtration
- Aquaponic food production using recycled water
The prototype serves as both a proof of concept and a community learning tool, showing that sustainable water management systems can be practical, affordable, and locally adaptable.
IMPACT
Environmental Impact
- Reuses up to 70% of treated water, reducing strain on freshwater sources
- Minimizes wastewater discharge into the environment
- Enhances biodiversity through constructed wetlands
- Improves local water quality using natural treatment processes
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by operating entirely on solar energy
Social Impact
- Builds community awareness of sustainable water practices and climate resilience
- Provides educational opportunities for schools and local organizations
- Ensures more reliable water and food sources during droughts or saline intrusion periods
- Encourages local participation in environmental stewardship and sustainable living
Economic Impact
- Lowers water and energy costs for households and farmers
- Generates additional income through aquaponic food production
- Supports local green economies and cooperative development
- Provides an accessible, customizable, and scalable solution for rural communities
PATH FORWARD
To expand its reach, STARS WATER seeks:
- Partnerships with environmental organizations and local authorities
- Collaboration with research institutions to refine technical efficiency
- Funding support for scaling and deployment across vulnerable regions
- Community-based models for long-term adoption and maintenance
With these partnerships, STARS WATER can evolve into a replicable solution for sustainable water and food security across the Mekong Delta and beyond.
See more details on our presentation file below:
TEAM PROFILE
Ms. Huynh Thi Hong Xuyen
- Student Major in Environmental Management at Tra Vinh University
- Contact: [email protected]
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Tram
- Student Major in Environmental Management at Tra Vinh University
- Contact: [email protected]
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh
- Student Major in Environmental Management at Tra Vinh University
- Contact: [email protected]
