PROJECTS     ABOUT US     GET INVOLVED     BLOG     CONTACT

PURIFLUME

A mobile spray park and first generation prototype passive closed-loop water filtration system.

PURIFLUME is a demonstration project developed in response to environmental threats caused by combined sewer overflow (CSO) and non-point-source pollution problems in Pittsburgh and post industrial cities throughout the American Rust Belt. It benefits underserved communities with a recreational amenity while providing essential data to support the administrative adoption of new technology and design strategy in public facilities.

UDBS students began the project in the fall of 2010 with an urban design strategy for Leslie Park Pool. As a result, funding and local support emerged to create a mobile prototype of a proposed sustainable water filtration system. The PURIFLUME houses a water slide and sprayheads as the primary attractions for children. Water from the slide is collected in cisterns and treated before it is recycled. Data collection points installed within the system test water quality and safety. Collaboration with and approval from several local government agencies was required before PURIFLUME could be deployed for use. The results from prototype testing indicate that closed-loop water management systems have the potential to solve Pittsburgh's CSO issue.

In Spring 2014, PURIFLUME traveled overseas as part of the BY DEMONSTRATION exhibition at the Urbanism/Architecture Bi-City Biennale Hong Kong 2013 (UABB HK 2013).

Project Team