Pure water is essential for healthy communities
I often blog about solar powered solutions for third world countries. People who do not live in industrialized nations often lack electrical power that is necessary for a safe, healthy life. I was excited to read about a Swedish inventor who has developed a solar powered water purifier, called the “Solvatten” (“sun water”). Petra Wadstrom’s invention has been used in Kenya and Nepal to help provide safe drinking water. Use of the Solvatten can help prevent the outbreak of water-borne illnesses like cholera.
The solar powered water purifier is very simple to operate. Simply fill the reservoir with about 10 litres of water and leave it out in the sun. When a green face appears on the side, it indicates that the water is safe to use. A red face warns that the water is not yet pure. It takes only about 3-4 hours for the purification process to be completed.
Did you know that a staggering 40% of the world’s population lacks enough safe drinking water for daily use? 1.6 billion people live without electricity too. The result of these statistics is that people often die prematurely and suffer from diseases that are preventable. This is why the Solvatten is so important. There is plenty of water on the earth – we simply need to make it drinkable.
The solar powered water purifier only costs $35, and will last at least 5 years. Over a period of 5 years, the cost for clean, pure water is 1/100th of a cent per liter!
As shown in the video above, it is easy to operate. Be sure to angle the Slovatten towards the sun. It will work on sunny or cloudy days, but may take an additional hour or two when it is overcast.
How can you help? The Solvatten will initially be distributed through International Organizations. As stated on the website:
“The aim is to find local entrepreneurs and through them and maybe also by local production reach the local market to gain acceptance for the new technology.”
Are you one of the local entrepreneurs that will help bring solar powered water purifier to needy populations? If so, please go to the “Contact” page at www.slovatten.se, and become a hero.
April 13th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Hi, I am a student at University of California, Santa Cruz, and am wondering if there is any way of contacting Pedra Wedstrom… can anyone help? thanks a lot!