Solar Powered Water Purification Delivers When Other Options Are Dry

Solar powered water purification is fast becoming a very viable option for people all over the globe who don't have access to costly filtration systems. It is also showing a great deal of promise in helping large scale water companies augment their other processes for treating water release for mass consumption.

The options for using the sun's power to purify and clean water range rather greatly. On the small scale, portable pasteurization devices can help individuals enjoy germ-free potable water. On the larger scale, massive solar-powered reverse osmosis systems are helping demand-strapped water companies deliver to their clients.

Pasteurization of water using solar energy generally involves "cookers." These devices soak up the sun's heat to bring water contained inside to a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius. This temperature is high enough to kill off the germs and bacteria known to make humans sick. Small-scale pasteurization units like the solar bottle shown here are being used more and more to help people in remote areas enjoy access to clean, safe water.

Reverse osmosis powered by solar energy is generally a regular electric fueled filtration and purification process. This technology works by forcing water through a membrane to remove small particles and contaminants. This is commonly used in large-scale water treatment plants. Solar drive water purification systems are presently in use in locations throughout the United States to help offset the cost of producing treated, potable water. A large system in Webb County Colorado, for example, has a solar system large enough to provide drinking water to roughly 280 residents.

The benefits of solar driven water purification are many. They include:

• Offset of electrical energy - When solar power is used to purify water, fossil fuels are not. This can help offset the demand on non-renewable power and save users money in the process.
• Portability - Pasteurization units, for example, are very portable. Small units can be taken just about anywhere and prove effective.

Solar powered water purifying is offering an alternative way to provide drinking water to the masses. On both the small and large scales, this option gets the job done and does not demand regular electrical power in the process.