The Opportunity

The world is becoming aware that it desperately needs a solution to generate and supply a new source of clean drinking water. Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) are that solution. Wataire International will be the product and market leader which supplies them.

AWGs are a new application of a well-known principle and an existing technology. They work by converting humidity in the air to water. The air entering an AWG is filtered so that only clean air passes across the cold surface of the machine's coil. Subsequent filtration and ultraviolet (UV) treatment ensures that the drinking water is bacteria and virus free. AWGs work using exactly the same principle as a dehumidifier – except that the water is collected and stored rather than simply evacuated. The key challenge is in the filtering and storing of the collected water.

Water, the Oil of the 21st Century

The word "essential" is often used loosely. However, in the case of water, water is essential to the human body. People may be able to last for a number of weeks without food, but they can only last a matter of days without water. Water plays a number of different roles in our bodies. It:

• Lubricates joints and muscles;
• Helps the body absorb nutrients from food;
• Aids in circulation and digestion;
• Helps metabolize stored fat;
• Helps regulate body temperature;
• Keeps our mind alert;
• Filters out impurities from the body (liver, kidneys, etc.);
• (Obviously) quenches thirst.

The Need; The Right

Because it is essential and we cannot live without it, in many parts of the world people have to take the risk of drinking water even when they are unsure of its quality. If it is not easily available, they walk miles to go and find it. This is not an optional activity. Human beings need clean drinking water. According to many, it is no longer optional to provide it. Provision of drinking water is, according to the UN, a basic human right.

For human beings, water is not only a product fundamental to survival; it also plays a strong moral, cultural, and religious role in society. Many cultures have a strong psychological bond with water – from baptism and bathing in certain religions, to the added appeal and value attached to waterfront properties, to the pleasure of the beach in others. Water is much more than an economic good. It has huge social and cultural value.

Fresh Water Availability & Distribution

While over 70 per cent of the earth’s surface is covered by water, most of it is unsuitable for human consumption. It is estimated that freshwater lakes, rivers and underground aquifers represent only 2.5 per cent of the world’s total water supply. This potable water is also very unevenly distributed around the globe. Countries such as Brazil, Russia and Canada are blessed with an abundance of fresh water – although even these countries still have problems supplying drinking water to all their citizens. Other areas of the world, such as China, Mexico and India are not so lucky. China has approximately 21 per cent of the world’s population but has access to only 7 per cent of the world’s freshwater. Beijing is sinking by four inches per year as a result of water over-consumption and depletion of its water table. Certain areas in Mexico are sinking as much as one foot per year.

Unfortunately, as is the case with global warming, levels of national debt, and so forth, it would appear that future generations will have to pay for the mistakes of their forebears.