Filtering Water Bottle for Ethiopia
Ethiopia, Africa is one of the poorest countries in the world and frequently hit with famines and droughts. Ethiopia has a large number of water resources, but only 24% of the population has access to drinking water. Due to the water situation, hundreds of people become ill or die everyday. A simple water filter can be a vital resource for people in need.
Water filters can extract over 99% of bacteria. I plan design a small portable filters attached to a two liter bottle, giving people clean water wherever they are. Five gallon filters could also be created for families. This would allow for clean water in the home at a larger scale for anything they need. The design would have interchangeable parts instead of having to change the whole new filter. These filters would cost from $20(for individual)-$150(for family size) depending on size and materials.
Materials:
Flexible Plastic Loop
Screw Top
Filtration Core
Calcium Sulfite Balls
Transparent Outer
These can pretty much easily be found at normal stories and can experiment with sizes and I can order calcium sulfate balls on various internet sites.
I would need to test this design and find a filter strong enough to clean the water, yet easy to change. It is also important to find a way to cheaply and efficiently deliver the materials to people in need.
Solutions:
-Having the filters come with a specific number of replacements, this is just one solution to this problem.
-Making them last as long as possible and find ways to get them replacements
I would like to consider partnering with a water filter company such as Puritii, as they have been working with these products and know the best way to create these filters. The decisions of what companies to partner with, and the best ways to tackle the problems would be something to discuss as a group before starting the project.
This product would be able to save hundreds of lives and would give clean water to a society in need. Every person deserves clean water and this is a way we can help to put a dent in the amount of people that do not.
Sources:
http://www.wearewater.org/en/drinking-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-ethiopia_4802
http://www.portablewaterfilters.org/water-filter-reviews/lifesaver-bottle-review/