In the most extreme flooding events, storm drains alone do little to move such great amounts of water from the streets. Their ineffectiveness can result in deadly conditions for urban dwellers. The innovative Floating Manhole Cover provides an additional way for water to escape. The cover itself is composed of a rigid material that protects the opening when in place. However, it’s also buoyant and will automatically raise when submersed in water. During a flooding event, it raises to allow more water to drain in a shorter amount of time. Furthermore, a built-in screen also raises with the cover to prevent clogging. In combination with normal storm drains, the Floating Manhole Cover can effectively double a city’s drainage capability. Designers: Leijing Zhou, Chunan Liao, Meng Chai, & Muchuan Wang