Water is a precious resource, and you may have scarce or abundant water sources depending on where you are. In California, where PATH is based, water access can vary, from exceptionally responsible municipal water that is clean and ready to drink to off-grid homesteaders who may have to source from a well or harness from the air.Â
At PATH, we're interested in maximizing everyone's access to abundant water sources to amplify refilling and eliminate single-use plastic bottled water waste. We're interested in innovative water harnessing and filtration technologies that are helping people access various water sources and eliminate single-use plastic.Â
Here are some common questions about the mission to refill and eliminate single-use plastic bottled water.Â
Q: How can we stop using single-use bottled water?
A: We can empower ourselves to secure a constant source of clean drinking water in our homes, offices, and schools. This ensures we have fresh filtered water to avoid buying single-use water. Whether that means buying a filter for our home water and refilling PATH bottles stored in our fridge so they're ready to go or making a conscience refill plan, whatever works best for us. The main thing is to identify and create reliable water sources for ourselves.Â
Q: Why should we use reusable water bottles instead of plastic bottles?Â
A: Aside from the ease and freedom refilling brings to life, it also lowers the waste tension on the planet—less plastic to process, less pollution. The more people that refill their water bottles, the bigger the exponential impact we can have on the bottled water footprint. Reuse, in any container, any moment, will always be better any single-use container, no matter the material.
Q: How can we make bottled water more sustainable?
A: It's really single-use packaged water that has harshest impact on the planet. The most sustainable bottled water is one that guides you to refill more. PATH offers a perfect solution to people who need water at the moment but want to ultimately refill and make a greater impact
Another way to address all these questions is by looking at water tech and how access to more abundant sources of clean drinking water can help us refill. Here are five water technologies that are emerging to improve people's access to clean, drinkable water.
#1 - UV Water Purification
UV water filtration is a method that uses ultraviolet light to disinfect water by neutralizing harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The process involves passing water through a chamber where it's exposed to UV light at a specific wavelength, typically 254 nanometers. This light disrupts the DNA of these microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce and causing illness. This chemical-free and environmentally friendly process effectively ensures that the water is microbiologically safe to drink, though it does not remove chemical contaminants or improve taste.
#2 Atmospheric Water Generation
Cooling Condensation Systems are a form of Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) systems that works by cooling air to condense the water vapor present in the atmosphere, collecting it, and then filtering and purifying the water to make it suitable for drinking. These systems are especially beneficial in regions with scarce water resources but with high humidity levels, providing a sustainable and decentralized water source.Â
Hydrogels, zeolite, and desiccant-based AWGs are another method of collecting water from the air, but they differ in that they use materials that absorb the moisture, which is then released as liquid water when heated. This technology is gaining traction in arid regions with scarce traditional water sources.
Unlike conventional monocyclic systems that operate on a day-night cycle, multicyclic desiccant-based AWGs perform multiple absorption and desorption cycles daily, which increases water production efficiency.Â
These systems' effectiveness largely depends on the water sorption and desorption rates of the desiccants (absorption agent) used rather than just their uptake capacity. Research into enhancing intraparticle diffusion and sorption rates within desiccants has identified key factors that can improve water production, such as pore microstructure and surface hydrophilicity. This technology improves access to potable water in regions with limited water sources and offers a more efficient and sustainable solution to global water challenges.
#3 - Solar-Powered Water Collection
In off-grid and remote locations, solar-powered water collection technologies are designed to collect and purify water for drinking and other applications.Â
Passive Solar Stills use the sun's energy to evaporate water, leaving contaminants behind. The vapor is then condensed into clean water, making it a simple and effective solution for purifying water in remote areas. These devices use the sun's energy to evaporate water, separating it from contaminants such as salts, bacteria, and other impurities. The clean water vapor is then condensed and collected, providing a simple and effective method for purifying water. This technology is especially useful in remote areas where traditional water purification systems are unavailable.
Solar-Powered Hydropanels is another technology that captures moisture from the air and uses solar energy to condense it into potable water. By harnessing the sun's power, the hydro panels provide a sustainable and consistent supply of clean water, making them ideal for off-grid locations or areas with limited access to fresh water sources.
#4 - Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Rainwater harvesting systems typically involve collecting water from rooftops or other surfaces, which can introduce impurities such as dirt, leaves, or even harmful microorganisms. Advanced filtration systems are designed to purify this water to make it suitable for various uses, including irrigation, flushing toilets, and even drinking water in some cases. These systems often include multiple filtration stages, such as sediment filters to remove larger particles, carbon filters to eliminate odors and tastes, and fine mesh filters to capture smaller debris. In some cases, these systems may also incorporate reverse osmosis or nanofiltration to remove dissolved contaminants, ensuring the water is as clean and pure as possible.
When it starts to rain, the water that runs off your roof or other surfaces can contain a higher concentration of contaminants, such as dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other pollutants accumulated during dry periods. A first-flush diverter is a device that automatically directs this initial runoff away from your primary storage tank, ensuring that only cleaner water enters the system. Once the initial flush is complete, the diverter closes, and the subsequent, cleaner water is collected. To further purify the collected water, UV (ultraviolet) filters are used to disinfect it by exposing it to UV light, effectively killing or inactivating bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. This combination of first-flush diversion and UV filtration is especially important for systems that aim to provide drinking water.
Integrated smart rainwater harvesting systems are an evolution of traditional systems, combining advanced filtration, storage, and technology to optimize water collection and usage. These systems typically include sensors and controls that monitor various parameters such as real-time water levels, flow rates, and water quality. Users can access this information through smartphone apps or web interfaces, allowing them to manage their water supply more efficiently. For example, they can set the system to automatically divert excess water during heavy rains to prevent overflow or to prioritize water usage during dry periods. Some smart systems can even be integrated with weather forecasts to predict and prepare for upcoming rain events. This high level of automation and control ensures the system operates optimally, maximizing water use efficiency.
#5 - Portable Water Filtration Devices
Portable water filtration devices are compact, lightweight tools designed to purify water from natural sources like rivers, lakes, or streams, making it safe to drink. These devices, often used by hikers, campers, travelers, and in emergency situations, filter out harmful bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants. They are typically easy to carry and operate, providing a reliable way to access clean drinking water when traditional sources are unavailable. Popular examples include the LifeStraw, a straw-like filter for direct drinking, and the Sawyer Squeeze, which can be used with water pouches or in line with hydration packs.
LifeStraw is a popular personal water filtration device shaped like a large straw. It allows users to drink directly from natural water sources by filtering the water as it passes through the straw. The LifeStraw's internal filtration system removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, ensuring the water is safe to drink. It works without the need for batteries or chemicals, making it a simple and reliable tool for accessing clean water in the wilderness or during emergencies. The LifeStraw is widely recognized for its ease of use, portability, and effectiveness, and it has become a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and humanitarian aid organizations.
The Sawyer Squeeze is another popular portable water filtration system known for its compact and lightweight design. It works by attaching the filter to a flexible squeeze pouch filled with water from a natural source. The user then squeezes the pouch, forcing the water through the filter and out into a clean container or directly into their mouth. The Sawyer Squeeze can also be used in line with hydration packs, allowing continuous filtration as the user drinks. This makes it particularly convenient for backpackers, hikers, and travelers who need a reliable and efficient way to filter water on the go. The filter is effective against bacteria, protozoa, and other contaminants and is known for its durability and ease of use.
These are just a handful of water technologies advancing our access to multiple clean water sources. Grabbing a PATH and refilling it means different things to different people. In some cases, ordering a pack of PATH in off-grid living situations could involve harnessing one of these water technologies and refilling multiple bottles at a time to store them in the fridge for later use. Whatever the case is, we're thrilled about the technology that connects more people to clean, refillable water sources.