Not Another Day Zero: Design Hackathons for Community-Based Water Quality Monitoring

Abstract: This study looks at water quality monitoring and management as a new form of community engagement. Through a series of a unique research method called `design hackathons', we engaged with a hyperlocal community of citizens who are actively involved in monitoring and management of their local watershed. These design hackathons sought to understand the motivation, practices, collaboration and experiences of these citizens. Qualitative analysis of data revealed the nature of the complex stakeholder network, workflow practices, initiatives to engage with a larger community, current state of technological infrastructure being used, and innovative design scenarios proposed by the hackathon participants. Based on this comprehensive analysis, we conceptualize water quality monitoring and management as community-based monitoring and management, and water data as community data. Such a conceptualization sheds light on how these practices can help in preempting water crisis by empowering citizens through increased awareness, active participation and informal learning of water data and resources.