Every human being has the right to safe and pure drinking water but we still see many people in rural areas without the facility of clean drinking water. It is alarming to see that millions around the world still consume the unclean water.
Also water pollution is a main hazard to be conquered in this arena. Due to consumption of impure drinking water lakhs of people die every year globally. Urban people have high technology water purifiers while rural people still require the help. With the issues of global warming lurking around, the situation might get worse. Our body is made up of 70% water which makes the requirement of safe drinking water a mandatory thing. Governments are least bothered to provide the free safe drinking to the lesser privileged people on humantarian grounds. These days even nongovernmental organizations have their vested interests rather than doing pure service to mankind. It is very important to devise cheap water purifiers to cater the basic need of millions of people around the globe who do not have access to safe drinking water. The plight of poor people has been long unheard while the governments keep changing and urban people continue to live a luxuriously life. The governments should open avenues for free installation of water purifiers for public use among poor people.
Here is a list of 5 ingenious water purification systems developed for the rural world.
1. Tata Group launched a cheapest water purifier- âTATA Swach”
The water purifier by Tata runs without electricity. It is portable and was developed for tsunami stricken people. Water is purified by a filter made up of paddy husk ash. This ash is also used by poor people for cleaning their teeth. The filter has a matrix of ash to which microscopic silver particles are attached. The purifier successfully eliminates 80% of the waterborne disease causing bacteria and can be used to purify 3000 litres of water. It can approximately last for 200 days serving a family of five. It comes in 2 versions, viz., 19 litre container costing 749 rupees and 999 rupees depending on the material used. It is a cheaper option than its competitors. It is a life saver for the poor people globally.
2. Low-tech water purifier doesnât cost a fortune
This purifier is called Watercone. It is an evaporator which can turn the seawater into potable water. The 1.7 litres of water can be poured into a black tray and after that it should be covered by the cone. Direct sunlight makes the water evaporate and impurities stay in the tray while the purified water condenses on the cone surface. After sometime the water from the cone can be transferred to a water bottle. Its price is $30. The process seems a little slow though.
3. UW students develop low-cost solar-powered water purification system
This low cost solar water purifier was devised by a group of students from the University of Washington. It costs $ 3.40 which will make it affordable to poor people around the world. A device has been created which monitors how light is passed through the water in the bottle and how many particulates are obstructing the light. When required particulates are removed, it is an indication that water is fit for drinking.
4. Life Straw Water Purifier
Lifestraw is a cigar sized machine made up of plastic and engineered in a cost effective manner to provide potable water. It clears the water from harmful bacteria like typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea. It is a boon for the rural and under-priviledged section of society.
5. Solar Water Purifier provides potable water without consuming electricity
This is an ecofriendly solar water purifier designed by Cole Dobson which can be put to use by both the rural and the urban world. It has a system which consists of two compartments. In the first compartment the dirty water is poured from one end and solar heat evaporates the water and it condense on the walls of the purifier. Then it enters the second compartment. When all the dirty water has been purified, the tray in first compartment has to be removed so that the ultraviolet rays can further purify the water. The product does not use any electricity and moving objects, therefore, its cost can be affordable. This purifier is the most economical in terms of maintenance.