So Simple It's Brilliant: A Machine that Makes Drinking Water from Air

DiscoblogBy Boonsri DickinsonNov 27, 2008 2:33 AM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

At a time when only one in six people on the planet have access to water and bottled water is not always the most practical (or environmentally sound) option, inventors are busy trying to turn just about anything into water. If you thought astronauts drinking water from urine was a bit gross, then drinking water made from air might sound like a far more appealing option. And now, the Canadian company Element Four’s Water Mill has determined a way to take moisture from the air and turn it into drinkable water. The machine is the size of a large golf ball cut in half , and it runs off the “electricity of about three light bulbs.” It works by pumping air through filters to get rid of dust and other particles, and then cools the purified air until water starts to condense. Then the condensed water goes through a UV light unit to clean it so bacteria won’t get in it and cause infections or disease. The benefits of the machine are two-fold: Besides getting cleaner air, you’d also get up to 12 liters a day of clean drinking water. And for those who live in dry places like Colorado, Ritchey has outfitted the Water Mill with a computer that senses changes in humidity so that more water is produced. Related content: 80Beats: BPA DISCOVER: Dirty Truth About Plastic

Image: flickr / Obi-Akpere

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.