Solidarity engineering applied to liquid waste management

Abstract

One of focuses of interest in engineering is that professionals remain active and update their different knowledge: knowing, doing and being, in this sense it is essential that young people in training acquire skills, abilities and competencies that allow them autonomy and the constant search for tailor-made solutions, considering the different forces in the environment, such as climate change and citizens. The inclusion of communities is relevant when solving problems, as in the case of this research, in wastewater. During two academic semesters of 2019, we worked with a vulnerable community, families living in camps or land grabs, in Viña del Mar, Chile. In the first place, the survey of drinking water needs and disposal of its gray and black waters was carried out, a limited, accessible and easily understood engineering proposal was developed, in the same way, government and/or private financing modalities were presented. Incorporating not only design and measurement activities, but also dialogues with the community, showing their pain and difficulties. More than 85% of families agreed with the solution, the same with the students who participated.