Solar Drinking Water

As we reported in last month’s issue of Technotrends Newsletter, the lack of clean drinking water is a growing global threat. And the problem isn’t limited to only the poorest countries, nor is it constrained to arid regions of the world. The fact is, even in the United States, more than 5,300 municipal water systems face concerns with unhealthy drinking water due to lead pipe infrastructures and other pollutants.

As a result, more and more forward-thinking companies are springing up to address this fundamental human right through the creative use of technology. For example, a new solar panel, called Source, is designed to passively absorb water from the air and pipe it directly into the home. Although details about the system are still under wraps, the key component is a new material that draws in moisture – like an open bowl of sugar, only faster and more efficiently. The solar panel then powers a process to drive the water back out and purify it through evaporation. The ultra-pure, double-distilled water is then put through a filter block containing calcium and magnesium to improve the taste and add beneficial minerals. One panel will provide adequate drinking and cooking water for a family of four.

Pilot programs have already begun in Ecuador, Jordan, Mexico and the U.S. In 2017, the company plans to scale up production for larger systems.