New tech makes water from air

MANILA, Philippines - Safe drinking water out of thin air?

Poor communities and calamity-hit areas as well as ordinary households can benefit from a US technology that turns air into potable water.

It only takes an hour for the WaterBoy to produce 15 to 16 liters of alkaline water, said Cody Bodlovic, managing director of GreenFocus Inc.

“Stop buying water and start making it,” the 34-year-old Bodlovic told The STAR yesterday.

GreenFocus, a company based in Taguig City, is the first to market the atmospheric water generation machine in the Philippines.

The machine looks like a water dispenser or a large coffeemaker.

Bodlovic said the machine can produce as much as 30 liters of pure alkaline water per day from air.

“With water shortages everywhere, we’re tapping unlimited resources in the atmosphere,” he said.

Bodlovic said the water extracted from the atmosphere is purified through a four-stage process that includes carbon filters and ultraviolet light.

He said the machine is “very perfect” for a country like the Philippines that has humid weather all throughout the year.

Environment-friendly

Bodlovic said a single WaterBoy unit also reduces the use of plastic bottles, which often litter the streets and clog waterways, by as many as 11,000 pieces a year.

He said global warming causes quick water evaporation that triggers more violent storms.

“We are taking more water vapor out of the air and helping reduce water vapor levels in the air,” he said.

He said at present their target markets are those in Class A and B.

A unit of the WaterBoy costs P100,000.

However, he said the company will soon introduce more efficient and more affordable machines for the middle class and the poor.

“There are households in the Philippines which are using this machine. In Cagayan de Oro, an owner of the WaterBoy gives potable water for free to his community,” he said.

“We understand that it’s expensive but we tell the people, it’s an investment,” Bodlovic added.

Almost 16 million Filipinos still do not have access to safe and clean drinking water based on the 2010 Millennium Development Goals progress report.

LGUs urged to buy machine

Bodlovic said they also urge local governments to purchase the machine to be used in evacuation centers during natural and man-made calamities.

“The next step is to make machines that can make thousands of liters. Maybe a water system in the barangay that will provide clean water to poor communities,” he said.

“It could be bought by the government and they can avoid buying drinking water,” he added.

Bodlovic said the machine has a life span of 15 years and is easy to maintain.

He said those who would like to inquire about the product may visit their website www.greenfocusinc.com.