It all began with a seemingly ordinary moment, as 14-year-old Rani watched water trickle down the drain while waiting for her shower to warm up. This routine action sparked an idea that led to the creation of a shower water-saving device she has called Aqua Loop.

Rani East-Jeffs is a 14-year-old high school student who has designed an award-winning shower water-saving device.

The Aqua Loop

The Aqua Loop, a device conceptualised by Rani, is made of circuit boards, pipes, a button, and solenoid valves. It monitors the temperature of shower water and waits for it to reach a comfortable temperature before it releases from the showerhead.

Rani’s inspiration stemmed from her upbringing near the Thone River in Byabarra, fostering a deep appreciation for water conservation. However, her innovation truly took shape when her school gave students the task of finding ways to better conserve water. The project led Rani to find out that over five litres of water are wasted per shower due to waiting time alone. Motivated by this revelation, she embarked on a journey to create a solution that could save thousands of liters of water annually for households.

The device goes on the roof and saves water from being wasted by making sure that water doesn't come out of the showerhead until it is at the right temperature and recirculating the colder water back into the hot water system.

There are similar devices available in countries such as the US, but none available to install in Australia.

EduTech and STEAMS-Preneurs

Rani's amazing work didn't go unnoticed. She caught the attention of Eman Soliman, founder and CEO of EduTech Australia, at a young inventors' conference.

EduTech Australia develops science and technology education programs for school-aged students on topics like coding, robotics, and invention.

Ms Soliman offered to sponsor Rani to attend EduTech Australia's STEAMS-Preneurs Education Program and Competition, which had 200 attendees from NSW and where the Aqua Loop won Rani the state champion award.

The STEAMS-Preneurs Education Program aims to bridge the gap for girls in STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths), empowering them with skills and confidence to pursue those studies.

Rani's Aqua Loop not only earned her accolades but also ignited a vision for its widespread implementation, especially in drought-prone regional areas.

…Rani's journey doesn't end with awards. She envisions turning her invention into a full-fledged business.