UNM team takes Smart Acequias project to Biodesign Challenge

Four undergrads at The University of New Mexico have tackled the problem of water scarcity in the southwest United States by developing a project that would use radar sensors to determine the water levels of the irrigation channels and connect to an app that would let farmers know when to irrigate their farms.

The students, who call themselves the Drip Drop Dream Team, recently took their project Smart Acequias to the Biodesign Challenge in New York. All four are from New Mexico and are profoundly aware of the importance of water conservation and the historic acequia system.

The team studies with Professor of Art and Associated Professor of Computer Science Andrea Polli and her teaching assistant Amy Pillings.