The Better Water Maker

The Better Water Maker (BWM), designed for use in the developing world, kills water microbes by using ultraviolet light. By physically turning a crank, electric power is generated to pump water through a column containing an ultraviolet light bulb. The water flow is controlled to make sure there is enough contact with the UV light to kill E.coli bacteria. The device does not allow water to flow unless it has had the proper UV light treatment. The lightweight durable plastic units are easily movable and can be used by numerous families.

The BWM can safely produce:

• as much or little water as needed
• potable water anytime, immediately
• drinkable water anywhere- it is s very portable and needs no ongoing perishables, parts or chemicals (except for replacing a UV bulb after 8,000 hours of operation/about 225,000 gallons)

Use of the Better Water Maker is environmentally benign; the source of energy is human power and there are no waste products. The BWM is the brainchild of a plastics manufacturer who is pioneering the industrial use of alternative energy and sustainable manufacturing. His company has spent seven years developing the device to be appropriate in all developing world cultures.

For additional information, please click here, to view a .pdf of the Better Water Maker concept paper.

Here is the Better Water Maker assembly and operation manual.

The Better Water Maker In The Field Click here for more information.

We have placed field test units in Africa. Click here to see more about the Better Water Maker in Ghana.

Human powered generator in action.	Better Water Maker at work.

The Better Water Maker's Future

At full production, the price of the BWM will be less than $US 100. The B9 Plastic's and the manufacturer’s commitment to this price is already in hand. Once the design has been perfected, millions of Better Water Makers can be manufactured on demand using standard plastic injection molding techniques and common electrical components. The cost of production tooling for going into full-scale production is $500,000 for the injection molds. Additionally, there will be costs of materials, shipping, and maintaining supply lines for minimal parts.

Once the initial costs are covered − which we expect to secure with the help of Non- governmental Organizations like IHSAN (Industry’s Humanitarian Support Alliance) or similar groups −project partners will purchase, rent, lease-to-buy, and possibly pursue government subsidy to obtain a unitl.

There is no reason why the Better Water Maker could not be used anywhere in the world where predictably safe drinking water is in short supply. Expanded distribution of the units will depend on building appropriate local partnerships, finding cost-effective means of shipping, navigating import tariffs, identifying the appropriate distribution/education points, and determining the financial situation. Setting up and maintaining supply lines will also need to be well planned.

• Short term: local people can be trained to assemble the units
• Long-term: manufacturing plants could be built in Africa and other developing nations.

Plastics manufacturing could be a boon to any developing country with access to hydrocarbons or appropriate feedstock.

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