Waterborne diseases are some of the leading causes of death for children in the developing world and result in an enormous amount of productivity loss for adults throughout the developing world. Clean tap water in these countries is not guaranteed to be potable or not cause harm. In places with rainy seasons, such as India, the flooding can cause even greater contamination of water sources.

Detailed description of the solution

The "UV Waterworks" device is a small-scale, low-maintenance design that purifies water (deactivating viral and bacterial contamination) through the use of ultra violet light. Water is disinfected by using the equivalent of a 40-Watt lightbulb at a cost of 2 cents per ton of water treated. It is able to treat 15 liters of water per minute. The following are specific details of the device:

• Does not require a pressurized water source
• Deactivates bacteria and viruses in clear water
• Does not need a trained operator
• Maintenance every 6 months
• Rapid disinfection (water passes through unit in 12 seconds)

Designed by

• Designed by: Dr. Ashok Gadgil, David Greene,Anushka Drescher, Steve Wiel, and Derek Yegian from Berkeley Lab.
• Manufacturing: This device is now exclusively licensed UV Waterworks to WaterHealth International, Inc.

When and where it was tested/implemented

The technology is intended for developing countries such as India, Mexico, and South Africa. Currently, the prototype and final product is implemented in several sites in India, including at Bhupalpur, and Durban South Africa.

Funding Source

This device receives funding from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.

References