STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION
Since 2013, the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) has hosted an annual design competition for postsecondary students in British Columbia. This competition aims to help students apply their academic skills to solve the real-world water and wastewater problems we face every day, gain leadership and communication and help innovate the water sector.
The winning teams from BC have gone on to compete internationally at Water Environment Federation's Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) against teams from across Canada, the United States and the world. We’re proud that for eight out of ten years in this competition, our teams have placed in the top 3 of a WEFTEC competition category!
2024 COMPETITION WINNERS
Congratulations to Team Thunderbird Rainwater Solutions, the winners of the 2024 Student Design Competition! The student team from the University of British Columbia is comprised of Elizabeth Liu (team lead), Harshvardhan Shaw, Nicolas Cho, Benjamin Buchheit and Claire Merchant. The team will be recognized at BCWWA’s 2024 Annual Conference & Trade Show and move on to compete at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in New Orleans this fall.
Thank you to all four teams that competed in this year’s competition! A special thank you to our municipal sponsor, the City of Vancouver, the sponsors who support the competition, faculty advisor Madjid Mohseni (UBC) and consultant advisor Leigh Borrett (Urban Systems).
ABOUT THE 2024 COMPETITION
Problem Statement
For this year’s competition we have partnered with the City of Vancouver for an exciting project to assess the feasibility of different blue green system typologies along West 1st Ave in the Olympic Village neighborhood, with considerations for stormwater quality and flood management.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the BCWWA Student Design Competition, each team member must be:
- A registered student (full‐time or part‐time) at a college or university in British Columbia.
- Senior students (3rd, 4th level and graduate) in the environmental, civil, chemical engineering or related fields.
Why participate in the competition?
- Meet new people and build a network of water professionals and potential employers to help kickstart your career;
- Enhance your design, presentation and communication skills;
- Expand your water and wastewater sector knowledge and approach real-world challenges; and
- Receive a complimentary one-year BCWWA student membership.
The winning team will accept an award at the 2024 BCWWA Annual Conference & Trade Show and go on to compete at the 2024 WEFTEC Student Design Competition. Both events provide excellent exposure to potential industry employers.
Key Dates
| Application deadline | December 20, 2023 |
| Sponsorship deadline | February 29, 2024 |
| BCWWA 2024 Annual Conference & Trade Show in Whistler, BC | April 28-30, 2024 |
| WEFTEC 2024 in New Orleans, LA | October 4-9, 2024 |
Important Documents
2024 BCWWA Student Design Competition Entry Form
2024 BCWWA Student Design Competition Guidelines
2024 Student Design Competition Sponsorship Brochure
Student Design Competition Problem Statement 2024 – Coming Soon!
For more information, please contact us at SDC@bcwwa.org or (604) 630-5346.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The BCWWA is always looking for members that are dedicated to their work in the water sector and are willing to get more involved, no matter the area of expertise or experience level. We offer a range of opportunities for you to meet new people and build your professional network, expand and deepen your professional knowledge, and make a meaningful contribution to realize our vision of people having safe water and a healthy water environment.
Get in touch with us at SDC@bcwwa.org if you would like to get more involved in the Student Design Competition. Click here for more details on volunteering with the BCWWA.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsorship is one of the fastest growing forms of marketing today, offering unique business opportunities that highlight an organization’s brand. By sponsoring the SDC, your organization will help these up-and-coming rising stars make waves in the water industry.
Whether you are looking at targeting a specific market or a wider water professional audience to help promote your brand or expand your networking connections, BCWWA has a sponsorship product that will meet your business needs.
For more information on becoming a sponsor of a future BCWWA Student Design Competition, contact Angelene Fellows at afellows@bcwwa.org or 604-630-5346.
Sponsorship Opportunities