Holisss!š
Weāve made it to San CristĆ³bal de las Casas!
Arriving at San Cris.
The beautiful villa we are staying at.
The colorful streets of San Cris.
š” One Problem, Many Solutions: Cantaro Azul
Last week in CDMX, we visited Isla Urbana, where their focus was on rainwater harvesting systems paired with basic filters, perfect for urban areas with high rainfall and low groundwater access. But here in Chiapas, the situation is different.
We meet Cantaro Azul! AĀ local organization focused on disinfection and safe drinking water for communities that rely on well water. We met with FermĆn Reygadas, the founder, and learned about their beautifully simple yet effective design: the āmesita azul,āšĀ which uses gravity-fed filters and UV disinfection to provide safe water for families.
FermĆn showcasing what Cantaro Azul is and has done.
This experience made something clear, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the water crisis. Each system is a response to a regionās unique geography, climate, and culture. A good design doesnāt just mean high-tech; it means thoughtful, adaptable, and human-centered.
š§Ŗ Class with a little bit of rain
We had a field trip to a local lagoon, where we will later be gathering water samples to test different filtration and disinfection methods. The fieldwork was cut short by a CRAZY rainstormā! (Chiapas really said: WELCOME!)
Dr. Loyo lecturing in the middle of a rainstorm on top of a lagoon!
The lagoon getting rained on. (HARD lol)
We also began reverse-engineering commercial water filters, taking them apart to understand how theyāre built and why. Iāve been learning so much about manufacturing methods, like injection molding, and how cost, durability, and user behavior all shape companies’ design decisions.
Dr. Hunter lecturing in the villa!
It’s made me realize how much intentionality goes into even the simplest-looking devices, like a water bottleš§, and how design always balances effectiveness, affordability, and context.
š Water is beautiful
Midway through the week, we hiked to Las Tzimoleras, stunning waterfalls in Tzimol. The scenery and view was GORGEOUSš!! My inner ceve was also amazed at how low the turbidity of the water was (soooo clear).
Me in the beautiful waters of Tzimol!
One of the waterfalls at Tzimol.
We also visited a cenote (sinkhole), Chucumaltik! It was beautiful, and we got to swim in it! Super refreshing!! (low turbidity as wellš)
Char Char, Isa, and I at the Cenote!
Being out in nature reminded me why I chose this field in the first place. Water is everywhere! It is beautiful, powerful, and essential. We have a responsibility to help protect and distribute it wisely.š
š Tour Buses & Dancing
Of course, we also made time for fun! We toured the colorful streets of San Cris on a green, light-filled bus (very touristy of us š), and we went out dancing!
Frankie on the tour bus next to me! (Oddly enough the only picture I took on the tour hehe)
Isa and I out and about in the city, ready to dance!
This week deepened my understanding of how engineering meets real life!
- Solutions arenāt universal. Water systems must be designed with cultural, geographic, and economic factors in mind. What works in one place won’t always work in another, and thatās okay.
- Design is a conversation. Whether itās a UV filter or a plastic casing, every choice tells a story about the people itās made for.
- Ā Listening is essential. Every interview, every field site, and every hands-on project is teaching me how to slow down and see the bigger picture.
Me at a cute mural at Cantaro Azul!
I canāt wait to share more upcoming adventures from Chiapas, stay tuned!
See ya soon besties!š