Mannat Kaur – Water Conservation
2023 Eco-Hero — THIRD PLACE
Mannat Kaur
Age 15
New Delhi, India
Indigenous Greywater Home Treatment Plan
As a 2023 International Young Eco-Hero Award winner, Mannat Kaur from New Delhi, India, stood out for her remarkable work in sustainable water management.
Mannat is a driven young scientist and innovator dedicated to addressing two critical global challenges: water scarcity and the significant operational carbon emissions associated with traditional freshwater supply, treatment, and wastewater disposal. Recognizing the inefficiencies and energy demands of conventional water systems, she designed and developed a groundbreaking system to collect, filter, and reuse greywater (the relatively clean water from sources such as showers, dishwashing, and laundry) directly within households.
Her innovative system enables the reuse of treated greywater for non-potable purposes, such as flushing toilets, mopping, irrigation, and cleaning, thereby conserving precious drinking water. Mannat emphasizes the urgency of this approach in India: "There is an urgent requirement in India to reduce, recycle, and reuse potable water in whichever way possible. So much wastewater goes down the drains in homes, after which a huge quantum of energy is needed to transport the greywater to sewage treatment plants and then for treatment."
Mannat's invention comprises two main components: a Bilge Vessel (BV) and a Scupper Valve (SV). The SV fits into the bathroom floor trap, pumping water from the drain to the BV. The BV itself is a three-bucket filtering system that effectively cleans the greywater. This compact BV unit fits into a small bathroom space, taking up only as much room as a bucket. The entire setup is intelligent, smart, low-cost, environmentally friendly, modular, and scalable, designed for easy integration without requiring major modifications to existing home plumbing. Mannat continues to refine the design, aiming for an even cleaner and sleeker look while resolving issues identified by households testing her device.
The impact of her project extends far beyond the individual household. Mannat calculates that if just 20% of homes in her city adopt her invention, thousands of liters of fresh water will be saved each day. Furthermore, households will experience financial savings, while the city benefits from reduced operational and infrastructure costs associated with sewage treatment. Her overarching goal is to scale up this model for widespread use in countless homes.
Mannat has already shared her insights on the decentralization of wastewater treatment at the Global Innovation Field Trip. She was also the youngest presenter at the Jawaharlal Nehru University STREE Conference on the Role of Women in Science and Technology for Sustainable Development, where she was honored with the Best Presenter/Idea Award. Her innovation also earned her a spot among the Top 10 finalists at the HP Girls Save the World Prize as part of SOLV[ED] organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mannat's drive is fueled by a bold vision: "I want to leave a mark and make a difference in the world through my work and innovations. I have never been afraid of dreaming big for myself, setting ambitious goals, and I’ll never stop doing so." Her dedication and ingenuity truly embody the spirit of an Action For Nature Eco-Hero.
youtube.com/@mannatkaur1146
linkedin.com/in/mannat-kaur-023b1b214
Where Are They Now? 2025 Update:
Becoming an Action For Nature Eco-Hero was just one milestone in Mannat Kaur's impressive journey in environmental innovation. Her award-winning greywater recycling system has continued to gain significant recognition and inspire further action:
Continuing Education at Stanford: Mannat is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, at Stanford University, with an anticipated graduation in June 2026. She continues to leverage her academic pursuits to solve global environmental challenges, demonstrating her unwavering passion for STEM and research.
International Recognition: Mannat was prominently honored with the National Water Champion award at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize India, subsequently representing India as a single-member team at the prestigious International Stockholm Junior Water Prize in 2024, held during World Water Week. This provided an invaluable platform to engage with industry leaders and experts like Xylem, gaining crucial international feedback on her mechanism.
Refining Her Prototype: As of a recent update, Mannat is actively focused on refining her greywater system's current prototype. This includes enhancing the system’s form factor, optimizing ergonomics, and material choices while ensuring cost-effective manufacturability. She also plans to conduct CFD analysis to fine-tune the baffle design, indicating a strong commitment to bringing her innovation to a broader audience. See her latest report.
Mannat's story continues to be a powerful reminder that the impact of our Eco-Heroes extends far beyond their initial projects, fostering ongoing dedication and innovation for a healthier planet.
