Community Based Products

Product
PlayPumps

Description 

A children's merry-go-round that pumps underground water as it is turned to an above ground holding tank.  The sides of the tank can also be used to sell advertising.  

Recommendations & Limitations

Assuming the availability and accessibility of ground water, Playpumps is a valid option for a community  in need of clean water, though given the pumping needs, requires a community with a large school population.

Cost

As of January 2011, the estimated cost per PlayPump was between $7,000 and $14,000

Perfector-R

Description 

Perfector-R is a water treatment plant designed for communities between 25,000 - 50,000 people.  The design of this product allows for the expansion of an existing water treatment facility or the establishment of an entirely new facility.    

Recommendations & Limitations

The scope and cost of this product require both a significantly-sized investment and community.

Cost

Pricing is not available, but given the modular concept, the cost will vary based upon the level of development and implementation. Either way, the cost for the Perfector-R will be quite high.

Household Products

Product
Lifestraw

Description 

The LifeStraw is a portable water filter shaped like a straw.  Once inserted directly into water for drinking, this product filters the water to ensure cleanliness. 

Life Straw Brochure

Recommendations 
   &  Limitations        

This product is intended for individual use and requires consistent user availability to prevent the acquisition of water-borne diseases and illnesses.

Cost

The LIfeStraw costs $6.50 for a filter that last approximately one year.

Aquaduct Bike

Description 

The Aquaduct Bike is a vehicle that allows for the simultaneous transport and filtration of water. 

Aquaduct Bike Informational Video

Hippo Water Roller

Description

The Hippo Water Roller is a 24-gallon round drum with attachable handle that allows for the easy transport of up to 200-lb of water.

Hippo Water Roll Informational Video

Recommendations 
   &  Limitations        

This product is intended to make the transportation of water easier while simultaneously filtering the water for safe drinking.  Primary limitations include cost and ease of use for those in areas with basic transportation infrastructure.

Cost

The Aquaduct Bike is still in the prototype stage and pricing information is not available.

Recommendations 
   &  Limitations        

Where ground water resources are unavailable and the retrieval of water is required, the Hippo Water Roller is a good alternative to carrying water on the head.  Topographical limitations exist and this is a non-purifying product.

Cost

The Hippo Water Roller costs $100

   Q Drum

Description 

The Q Drum is a light, plastic 13-gallon container that allows for easier water transport.

Q Drum Informational Video

Recommendations 
   &  Limitations        

Where ground water resources are unavailable and the retrieval of water is required, the Q Drum is a good alternative to carrying water on the head.  Topographical limitations exist and this is a non-purifying product.

Cost

The Q Drum's pricing is based on quantity ordered:
1 - 99 Q Drums = $75 each
100 - 499 Drums = $72 each
500+ Drums = $67 each

Midomo

Description 

Midomo is a household water filtration system that doubles as a means to transport and store water.  Capable of holding 50 liters of water, this product filters water as it is pushed.

Midomo Informational Video

Recommendations 
   &  Limitations        

This product is similar to the Hippo Water Roller, with the added benefit of filtering water to ensure purity.  It is, however, comparatively much more expensive.

Cost

Midomo is still in the developmental stage and pricing information is not available.

Treadle Bamboo
Pump

Description 

The Bamboo Treadle Pump acts to bring groundwater to the surface and was primarily designed for farmers to access water during the dry season.

Treadle Bamboo Pump Informational Video 

Recommendations 
   &  Limitations        

This product is made of inexpensive materials that are generally easy to access in rural settings in the developing world.  Having access to available groundwater can be a limiting factor

Cost

Exact pricing for the Treadle Bamboo Pump is not available, but the Pump is low-cost.  The cost of investment may be recovered after one cropping season, with the estimated increase in income from using the Bamboo Pump at $100.

Tulip Siphon

Description 

The Tulip Siphon filters 4-5 liters of water per hour by using gravity and a vacuum seal to pull and clean water through a ceramic filter. 

Tulip Siphon Informational Video

Recommendations 
   &  Limitations        

This product is intended for household use and acts to prevent the acquisition of water-borne diseases and illnesses.

Cost

Exact pricing for the Tulip Siphon is not provided, but the product is considered "low-cost."

Ceramic Water Filter

Description 

The Ceramic Water Filter is a household water filter that ensures the safety of drinking water. 

Recommendations 
   &  Limitations        

This product is intended for household use and acts to prevent the acquisition of water-borne diseases and illnesses.

Cost

The Ceramic Water Filter costs on average between $15 to $25, with replacement clay filters costing $4 to $6.

Sources: http://www.hipporoller.org/product.html; http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw; http://www.qdrum.co.za/ ; http://www.basicwaterneeds.com/products.php; http://www.waterforpeople.org/extras/playpumps/how-playpumps-works.html; http://www.pwntechnologies.nl/resources/factsheets/pdf/The%20Perfector%20series%20-%20Innovative%20water%20treatment%20techniques%20for%20developing%20countries.pdfhttp://www.ideo.com/work/aquaduct/?work/featured/aquaduct/; http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/design/bamboo-treadle-pump; http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/design/ceramic-water-filter;
Video Sources: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPCTscerVvI&feature=related; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhsRWz5sxqM&feature=related; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U-mvfjyiao; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1d32uVHZtc&feature=related; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rxJHsk_zrU; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQlc1JvIXF4