Recently we explored drought conditions around the globe and how some startups are leveraging the power of the sun to purify water. In this article, we will be highlighting innovative companies working on ways to collect this precious resource. Although capturing water from thin air sounds like something from a science fiction movie, multiple startups are developing solutions that do exactly that.

Editor’s Note: This is the second article in a series about new solutions to the growing water crisis. Click here to read part one.

Permalution

As a company headquartered in the Bay Area, our fascination with fog should come as no surprise – we first wrote about fog-catching technology in 2020 and have kept an eye on how things are progressing. Permalution a women-led Canadian-Mexican startup recently partnered with the University of Toronto to “IKEA-fy” its fog collection system.

The harvester is built around a polypropylene mesh that captures moisture in the air that is then transported through an irrigation system. Although it’s effective, setting it up requires specially trained personnel, which can be tough in remote areas. A team of engineers and students at the University worked to create a modular design that offered users the customization that comes with IKEA furniture, according to a report from the U of T. 

“Like IKEA products, we wanted a design that would be durable, easy to ship, easy to assemble and affordable,” U of T engineering alumnus Valerie Ajayi told the University’s news. “We also wanted it to be expandable as needed.”

The University team’s prototype is now undergoing a mechanical review at Permalution.

Warka Water

Warka Water Inc, a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit, has made significant progress in implementing solutions in water-scarce communities through its projects including the Warka Tower, a biodegradable structure for capturing dew drops that can be set up in less than a week and without the need for advanced tools. Like fog catchers, these towers also use a net to catch droplets which then roll down into a collection container; this water can then be dispensed at the bottom of the tower.

The organization is in the midst of building Warka Village, an integrated community designed to host up to 100 people in need in Cameroon. Additionally, the team is working to bring resources to isolated communities in Haiti and Togo.

All of Warka’s solutions are created from biodegradable, eco-friendly materials with the goal of supporting the basic needs of individuals in remote rural locations. The organization’s namesake is the Warka Tree, a large fig tree that is endemic to Ethiopia that holds both symbolic and spiritual meaning to the communities where it grows.

Kumulus

Kumulus, a Franco-Tusinian startup, developed a device that captures humid air and converts it into safe drinking water by mimicking the natural condensation process. The compact, portable Kumulus-1 machine can produce up to 30 liters of drinkable water per day. It fits a space of one square meter and can be equipped with a solar power pack allowing it to be independent of the grid. Additionally, the functionality of the device can be customized using an accompanying app.

According to World Bank, 21% of Tunisians lack access to clean water.  The Kumulus-1 has been deployed at remote elementary schools, including one with more than 500 students that previously lacked proper access to clean drinking water. The Kumulus team is working to place machines in other areas with significant needs. The company has a form available on its website for those interesting in pre-ordering a device.

In Conclusion

We are encouraged by the number of startups working to address water scarcity and its related impacts. By embracing technology and fostering the development of new solutions, we can all make a difference.

Is your team working on something incredible? We want to know! Our team can help you spread the word and bring more attention to the incredible work you’re doing through strategic communications, media relations and marketing.

Together, we can make sure that everyone has access to clean drinking water. Get in touch by calling 415-351-2227, emailing kamie@artemia.com or filling out this form.