Water is everywhere
especially in Australia, an island continent surrounded by oceans. This unique geography shapes our exploration of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) as we examine global and local challenges related to water. From drinking water to ocean contamination, reusability to aquatic life, our research focuses on understanding and addressing the critical water problems of today.
We began by studying specific problem spaces through opportunity cards, which helped us identify major water-related issues. One of these is ballast water contamination, a lesser-known but widespread issue that disrupts marine ecosystems. Ballast water from ships introduces invasive species into foreign waters, often with devastating consequences for aquatic life. Similarly, the presence of PFAS chemicals in water streams presents a silent yet serious threat. These toxic chemicals, known for their persistence, have infiltrated water supplies and even human bloodstreams, yet public awareness remains shockingly low.
Ocean acidification emerged as another critical issue, with entire generations of coral reefs being destroyed due to rising CO2 levels. This degradation threatens marine biodiversity and further disrupts underwater ecosystems. Human activities such as mining, overfishing, and construction also add to these problems. Overfishing disturbs aquatic ecosystems, while deep-sea mining and coastal development degrade water quality, posing significant risks to life below water.
Our exploration also revealed missed opportunities in sustainable practices like tidal power. Despite its potential to provide clean energy and reduce environmental harm, tidal power remains underutilised. It is evident that addressing these challenges requires not only awareness but also actionable solutions that can drive positive change.
The insights we gained highlight a troubling reality. Drinking water is increasingly contaminated with invisible toxins, oceans are suffering from pollutants, and aquatic life is under threat.
Water is life, and life is water. The planet and our bodies are made up of about ~70% water, yet its abundance often leads to exploitation and neglect.
As designers, we believe it’s time to value water as the essential resource it is. By creating solutions rooted in empathy and innovation, we aim to address water challenges locally in Australia and Victoria while contributing to global efforts. Water is life, and protecting it today is essential to safeguarding our future.
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