New filter to help millions get access to clean water

22 September 2010

A professor in South Africa has developed an implement that may help millions get access to healthy drinking water.

Professor Eugene Cloete, dean of science at the University of Stellenbosch, has devised a filter that can be placed on top of bottles to ensure the water that comes out is of drinkable quality, Business Day reports.

With 300 million people in the continent unable to get access to potable water, the development could prove to be extremely beneficial.

Professor Cloete observed an estimated 1,000 people die daily from water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

His invention fits into the neck of a bottle and means once the liquid has been poured through it, disease-carrying bacteria, pesticides and heavy metals will be stripped out.

The Nigerian government recently reaffirmed its dedication to improving the Owena Dam Water Treatment Plant Project in Akure - an initiative that will cost 4.7 billion Nigerian Naira (£19.6 million).
 

Category: Water