General Questions
What is Aquasage?
Aquasage is an Interactive Smart Water Analysis Station that allows students to test water samples for pH, temperature, and turbidity. It's a student-led project at the University of Nottingham, funded by the Cascade Grants Programme, that combines environmental monitoring with hands-on technology education.
Where is the Aquasage station located?
The station will be deployed on the University of Nottingham campus in an accessible indoor location. Specific location details will be announced as we approach the deployment phase in 2025.
Who can use Aquasage?
All University of Nottingham students, staff, and authorized campus community members can use the station. No prior technical knowledge or training is required - the interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly.
Is there a cost to use the station?
No! Aquasage is completely free to use for all members of the University of Nottingham community. The project is funded through the Cascade Grants Programme with donations from Nottingham alumni and supporters.
What is the Cascade Grants Programme?
The Cascade Grants Programme funds transformative student projects at the University of Nottingham. It's entirely funded by donations from alumni, staff, students, and friends of the University. Aquasage received a £1,277 grant to develop this interactive water analysis station.
Using The Station
How do I test a water sample?
Simply bring your water sample to the Aquasage station. The touchscreen interface will guide you through the entire process step-by-step, with voice guidance available to help you along the way. The analysis takes just a few minutes.
What water parameters does Aquasage measure?
Aquasage measures three key water quality parameters:
• pH Level: Measures acidity or alkalinity
• Temperature: Records water temperature
• Turbidity: Assesses water clarity and suspended particles
What water parameters does Aquasage measure?
Aquasage measures three key water quality parameters:
• pH Level: Measures acidity or alkalinity
• Temperature: Records water temperature
• Turbidity: Assesses water clarity and suspended particles
Where can I collect water samples?
You can test water from various sources including campus lakes, fountains, tap water, rainwater, or any other water source you're curious about. Please use clean containers and follow any safety guidelines posted at the station.
How long does the analysis take?
The complete analysis process typically takes 3-5 minutes from sample submission to results display. Real-time updates keep you informed throughout the testing process.
What do I do with my results?
Your results will be displayed on the touchscreen with easy-to-understand explanations of what each parameter means. You can take photos of your results for your records. The data also contributes to our campus water quality mapping project.
Do I need to book a time slot?
During regular operation, the station is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Workshop sessions and Ambassador-led demonstrations will have scheduled times that you can sign up for.
Technology Safety
What technology powers Aquasage?
Aquasage uses Raspberry Pi computers integrated with specialized sensors for pH, temperature, and turbidity measurement. The system features a touchscreen interface and voice guidance to make environmental monitoring accessible to everyone.
Is the testing process safe?
Yes! The station is designed with safety as a priority. Users only interact with the touchscreen interface and sample submission port. All sensor contact with water happens within the enclosed analysis chamber.
How accurate are the measurements?
The station uses calibrated sensors designed for educational and environmental monitoring purposes. While not laboratory-grade precision equipment, the measurements provide reliable data for understanding water quality trends and learning environmental science concepts.
What happens to the water samples after testing?
Samples are safely disposed of after analysis. The system includes a water circulation and disposal mechanism that maintains hygiene between tests.
Getting Involved
What is the Water Quality Ambassador Program?
The Ambassador Program trains interested students to become leaders in environmental education. Ambassadors learn advanced water quality monitoring skills, lead workshops, demonstrate the station, and help fellow students understand environmental technology.
How do I become a Water Quality Ambassador?
Applications for the Ambassador Program will open in late 2025. We're looking for enthusiastic students from all academic backgrounds who are passionate about environmental awareness and education. No technical prerequisites required - just curiosity and commitment!
Are there workshops available?
Yes! Aquasage will offer regular workshops covering:
• Water quality science fundamentals
• Environmental monitoring technology
• Sustainable development and UN SDG 6
• Data interpretation and analysis
• Campus water resource awareness
Workshop schedules will be posted on our blog and announced through the Computer Science department newsletter.
• Water quality science fundamentals
• Environmental monitoring technology
• Sustainable development and UN SDG 6
• Data interpretation and analysis
• Campus water resource awareness
Workshop schedules will be posted on our blog and announced through the Computer Science department newsletter.
Can I join the development team?
We welcome students interested in contributing to the project's technical development, interface design, educational content creation, or community outreach. Contact us through the website to learn about current opportunities.
I'm not a science student. Can I still participate?
Absolutely! Aquasage is designed to be accessible to students from all disciplines. Whether you study arts, business, engineering, or any other field, you can engage with environmental technology through our station and programs.
Impact & Purpose
Why focus on water quality?
Clean water is essential to life and is recognized as a human right under UN Sustainable Development Goal 6. By engaging students with water quality monitoring, we build awareness about this critical environmental issue while teaching valuable technology and science skills.
How does Aquasage support UN SDG 6?
UN SDG 6 focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Aquasage contributes by educating students about water quality, promoting awareness of water resources, and demonstrating how technology can support environmental monitoring.
What is the campus water quality mapping project?
As students test samples from various campus locations, we're building a visual map showing water quality across the University. This helps identify patterns, educate the community, and demonstrate the value of environmental monitoring.
How does this project benefit students?
Aquasage offers:
• Hands-on experience with environmental technology
• Understanding of water quality science
• Leadership opportunities through the • Ambassador Program
• Portfolio-building project involvement
• Transferable skills in STEM communication and education
• Connection to global sustainability efforts
• Hands-on experience with environmental technology
• Understanding of water quality science
• Leadership opportunities through the • Ambassador Program
• Portfolio-building project involvement
• Transferable skills in STEM communication and education
• Connection to global sustainability efforts
Can other universities replicate this project?
Yes! Aquasage is designed with replicability in mind. We'll document our design, technology choices, and educational approaches so other institutions can adapt the model to their campuses.
Technical Questions
What are the technical specifications?
The system includes:
• Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB RAM) controllers pH sensor module (Gravity Analog)
• DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor
• Gravity Analog turbidity sensor
• Touchscreen interface
• Voice guidance system
• Weatherproof housing
• Automated sample handling
• Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB RAM) controllers pH sensor module (Gravity Analog)
• DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor
• Gravity Analog turbidity sensor
• Touchscreen interface
• Voice guidance system
• Weatherproof housing
• Automated sample handling
Can I access the raw data?
Data access policies are being developed. We aim to make anonymized water quality data available for educational and research purposes while respecting privacy considerations.
Is the project open source?
We're committed to sharing our learnings and designs to help other institutions create similar projects. Details about documentation and code sharing will be announced as the project progresses.
Contact & Support
Who do I contact for more information?
You can reach the Aquasage team through:
• Website contact form
• Email: info@aquasage.io
• Project updates on our blog
• Website contact form
• Email: info@aquasage.io
• Project updates on our blog
How do I report a technical issue with the station?
If you encounter any problems while using the station, please use the "Report Issue" button on the interface or contact us through the website. Include details about what happened and when.
Can external organizations partner with Aquasage?
We're open to partnerships that align with our educational mission and sustainability goals. Contact us through the website to discuss potential collaborations.
Where can I learn more about water quality science?
Our blog features educational content about water quality parameters, environmental monitoring, and sustainability. We also recommend resources during workshops and through our Ambassador Program.
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