Empowering Equitable Urban Water Access in the Heart of São Paulo
FlowLink is an open, participatory urban water governance platform designed to address the critical challenge of urban water scarcity in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region (RMSP), Brazil. Born from the intersection of social need, technical innovation, and grassroots activism, FlowLink unifies real-time monitoring, geospatial mapping, and multi-level communication to empower residents, leaders, and authorities.
Target Problem:
Urban Water Scarcity in RMSP
Root Cause:
Fragmented public-private governance, lack of transparency, slow crisis response
Millions in São Paulo’s periphery face daily uncertainty: dry taps, long queues, and silence from distant institutions. FlowLink emerged as a collective answer—connecting vulnerable residents, community leaders, and policy-makers through actionable data, transparent communication, and shared oversight.
- Integrated, participatory water governance — based on hydrographic basins
- Unified coordination — across municipal, state, and federal levels
- Real-time transparency — for all stakeholders
- Effective participation — by civil society and end-users
- Project Briefing: HatchCanvas Project Page
- Figma Wireframes: (available upon request)
- API/Technical Blueprint: See below
| Feature | Description | Tech Stack (100% FREE) |
|---|---|---|
| Water Vulnerability Mapping | Interactive map, shows risk zones & real-time status | Leaflet.js + OpenStreetMap + GeoJSON on GitHub Pages |
| Alert System Simulation | Real-time dashboard, push/email alerts | Chart.js, EmailJS, Web Push API |
| Communication Interface | Direct chat/reporting between community & authorities | Glide Native Chat, Google Sheets, Socket.io + Heroku |
| Data Visualization | Charts of reservoir levels and trends | Chart.js, Google Sheets |
| User Authentication | Simple login, role-based access | Glide Native Auth |
| Social Participation Portal | Community forums, proposal submission, transparency dashboard | Google Sheets, Glide Comments, Google Drive |
- Platform: Glide Apps (Free Tier)
- Database: Google Sheets, Airtable (Free)
- Mapping: Leaflet.js + OpenStreetMap (Free)
- Visualization: Chart.js (Free, Open Source)
- Notifications: EmailJS (200 emails/month free), Web Push API
- Communication: Socket.io + Heroku (Free), Glide Chat
- Storage/Docs: Google Drive (15GB free)
- Analytics: Google Analytics 4 (Free)
All components are built using free, scalable tools and APIs to ensure zero cost during hackathon deployment.
Maria (Vulnerable Resident):
Receives alerts, checks water status for her area, reports issues with one tap
João (Community Leader):
Monitors multiple neighborhoods, coordinates local response, mobilizes residents
Ana (Social Activist):
Maps vulnerabilities, tracks violations, advocates for water justice
-
Check Vulnerability:
- Open map → Search region → See risk indicators
-
Receive Alerts:
- Push/email notification → Read real-time status → Audio explanation for accessibility
-
Report/Communicate:
- Chat/report issue → Chatbot or live response from authorities
-
Review Decisions:
- Governance dashboard → Track actions, outcomes, resource allocation
-
Participate:
- Forum → Submit proposals → Review transparency reports
- Simple interface for low digital literacy
- Offline mode for low-connectivity users
- SMS/email alerts for basic devices
- Audio descriptions for visually impaired
- Functional app deployed
- Core user flows operational
- Real-time data visualization
- Demonstrated social impact and engagement
- Upgrade path: Glide Pro, custom domain, scalable DB
- Integration: Municipal/state agencies, NGOs, community orgs
- Monetization: SaaS for municipalities, government contracts
In the sprawling urban landscapes of São Paulo’s periphery, millions face daily water uncertainty. During the 2013–2015 crisis, community voices went unheard amid institutional fragmentation. FlowLink became their answer—leveraging real-time data and transparent, multi-level communication. Co-created with vulnerable residents, leaders, and activists, FlowLink restored agency, transparency, and connection. Its impact: faster response, prioritized resources, and exponential community engagement. FlowLink proves that when technology, transparency, and collective action unite, even the most fragmented systems can be rewired for equity.
All major documentation available in both Portuguese and English.
See Ideation Phase Doc for full bilingual technical analysis and system design.
Version: 2.0 (Hackathon Edition)
Date: July 17, 2025
Status: Ready for 1-Day Implementation
Budget: 100% Free Tools & APIs