H2GO

Institution: Carleton University

CSWB plan priority / Ottawa's 2023-2026 Term of Council priority: Integrated and simpler systems

Project Term: Fall 2024 and Winter 2025

Course Code: SYSC 4907

Professor(s): Lynn Marshall

Group Member(s): Jason Zhang, Caleb Lui-Yee, Triton Crowley, Marwan Zeid, Eric Wang

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Objective(s): H2GO’s primary objective is to improve public access to essential water resources by providing a clear, reliable, and user-friendly platform to locate public washrooms, water fountains, and showers across Ottawa. Currently, the lack of an integrated system makes it difficult for residents and visitors to find these amenities, which can negatively impact hygiene, hydration, and overall public well-being. By addressing this gap, H2GO aims to create a more accessible and resource-efficient city.

Our project aligns with the City of Ottawa’s ‘Integrated and Simpler Systems’ initiative by consolidating scattered information into one comprehensive platform. Through a mobile-friendly web app, users will be able to quickly identify the nearest public water resource, view details such as operating hours and accessibility features, and get real-time navigation assistance.

By enhancing the visibility and accessibility of these facilities, H2GO promotes public health and sanitation, particularly for individuals who rely on these services daily, such as tourists, cyclists, and those experiencing homelessness. Additionally, our project encourages sustainable practices by making water fountains easier to locate, reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

Ultimately, H2GO strives to foster a more inclusive and accommodating city by ensuring that no one has to struggle to find basic public amenities. Through smart integration of technology, we aim to create a solution that benefits all Ottawa residents and visitors, making outdoor activities more comfortable and supporting a cleaner, healthier urban environment.

Potential for Impact: H2GO has the potential to make a meaningful impact on public health, accessibility, and urban planning in both the short and long term. By providing a centralized, easy-to-use platform for locating public washrooms, water fountains, and showers, our project addresses a critical gap in the availability and awareness of these essential resources.

In the short term, H2GO will immediately improve the daily experiences of residents and visitors in Ottawa. Individuals will no longer have to struggle to find public washrooms, search for a place to refill their water bottles, or locate a public shower. This will reduce stress and inconvenience, especially for vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness, individuals with medical conditions, parents with young children, and tourists unfamiliar with the city. The app’s intuitive design and real-time navigation features will also encourage more people to spend time outdoors, promoting active lifestyles by making public spaces more accessible and comfortable.

In the long term, H2GO can serve as a valuable tool for urban planning and policy-making. By analyzing user data and engagement trends, city officials can gain insights into which areas lack adequate public facilities and prioritize new infrastructure developments accordingly. This data-driven approach ensures that public resources are placed where they are needed most, improving long-term accessibility and sustainability. Additionally, by increasing public awareness and usage of existing facilities, H2GO reduces the burden on private businesses that often serve as default restroom stops.

H2GO also has the potential to support environmental sustainability. By making public water fountains more accessible, the project encourages reusable water bottle usage, reducing reliance on single-use plastics. This small but impactful change contributes to the city’s broader sustainability goals and helps foster eco-friendly habits among residents.

Ultimately, H2GO will contribute to a more inclusive, accessible, and healthier city, ensuring that everyone—regardless of income, mobility, or familiarity with the city—can access basic public resources with ease. This project is more than just a convenience; it is a step toward making Ottawa a smarter, more connected, and human-centered urban environment.