| Keyword |
Description |
| pH |
A measure of how acidic or basic water is |
| Turbidity |
How cloudy water looks because of tiny particles |
| SigFox |
A low‑power network that sends small data over long distances |
TlalocBox is a handy little device created by two students from IPN that helps check the quality of cistern water in real-time. This means families and schools can spot issues quickly without the hassle of collecting samples and waiting days for lab results. Instead, TlalocBox gives immediate readings on key water quality indicators, helping communities take action to protect their health and the environment.
Named after Tláloc, the Aztec rain god, TlalocBox aims to make water monitoring simpler, faster, and more reliable for everyone.
Inside this sturdy little box, there are three sensors that measure temperature, pH (how acidic or basic the water is), and turbidity (how cloudy the water looks). It also includes a rechargeable battery, making it perfect for field use since it can run for long periods without needing constant attention. The Arduino microcontroller cleverly manages the sensors while keeping power use low, and the sealed design protects the electronics from leaks—very important when you’re working around cisterns, pumps, and damp basements!
TlalocBox connects to the Internet of Things (IoT) to send small bits of data over the low-power SigFox network to an online platform called ThingSpeak. You can check the updates on your phone or computer every 15 minutes! To make things easy, the app uses a friendly traffic light system: green means the water quality is good, yellow indicates average quality, and red warns of high contamination. By catching problems quickly, TlalocBox helps neighborhoods, schools, and utilities respond faster than traditional methods, ultimately keeping everyone safer with clear and easy-to-read data.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Result |
Resultado |
| Contamination |
Contaminación |
| Indicator |
Indicador |
Time to discuss
- What problem does TlalocBox try to solve?
- Why is real‑time data helpful for water safety?
- How does the traffic‑light display make choices easier?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Describe how TlalocBox works and how it could help your school.
- What challenges might appear when using TlalocBox in rural areas?
