Hacking Lake Erie: Tech Competition Seeks Solutions To Water Problems

"A technology competition seeks solutions to Lake Erie's biggest problems, including harmful algae blooms and aging water systems. Teams in cities around the region are competing for thousands of dollars in prize money and consulting services to create apps and other tools."

"Aquahacking is a term for finding tech-based solutions for water-related problems. Imagine if a smartphone app could help prevent a toxic algae bloom. The idea of aquahacking comes from Canada and Europe but it's now making its way to the U.S. and Lake Erie."

"For many people, the word hacking has a pretty bad reputation. But in the tech world, hacking conferences are happening all the time. They're usually weekend-long competitions aimed at finding new ways to treat diseases or address social ills. Lake Erie has environmental issues decades old. There's legacy pollution, aging water infrastructure and harmful algae growth spurred by fertilizer runoff."

Elizabeth Miller of WCPN reports for NPR's All Things Considered April 24, 2017.