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From 5 p.m. Thursday, April 19, through 10 p.m. last night, UW conducted its SWAP and given just over four days to take their purchase and transform it into something useful, in terms of potential value, societal impact, and creativity.
One participant, Peter Dykstra, created a system for recycling rainwater in one's yard, using two $5 purchases at the UW's surplus emporium. This creation is detailed in a three-and-a-half-minute instructional video -- complete with a MacGyver soundtrack -- that follows below.
Dykstra details the object of this challenge:
The concept featured in this video is not new, but unlike many traditional rainwater caches, it takes advantage of a water pump, which pumps the stored rainwater anywhere the non-potable water is needed, allowing the reservoir to be located underground. The entire system can theoretically provide a sustainable supply of water to be used for irrigation outside or in the home.The rainwater recycler is primarily based upon an indoor fan and a 155-volt water pump, which are used respectively to collect and transport the water. More video presentations of entries in the 100-hour Challenge Project include Reel Power 2, a Lab Slave Helper, and a MagTric. All other creations for the challenge, such as a method for cleaning up Lake Wingra, are listed here.
If you have a video by, of or about Madison and Madisonians, please consider adding it to the Isthmus YouTube group or send a message.
