Disruptive technology LifeStraw cleans dirty water to US EPA standards

The device has been found by researchers who published their findings in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene to be one of the few products to meet the microbiologic performance levels for reductions in bacteria, viruses, and protozoa established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). With a family unit’s cost working out at less than $1/person/year, the product has immense potential for reaching not only disaster affected populations, but also for people looking for a cheaper alternative to bottled and boiled water.

LifeStraw is a portable water purification tool that cleanses surface water and makes it safe for human consumption. It can be hung around the neck. LifeStraw requires no electrical power or spare parts.

A smaller device filters up to the consump tion of one person for a year, a larger device for a family for upto three years, and it will kill shigella, salmonella, enterococcus, staphylococcus aureus and e.coli, and prevents waterborne diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, and cholera. It will not remove heavy metals, chemicals or salt.

Lifestraw contains disinfecting resin which kills bacteria on contact. Textile pre-filters are used in the LifeStraw to remove particles up to 15 microns and parasites.

People with thyroid problems must seek medical advice before using this tool.

Activist and YouTube journalist Shawn decides to carry out his own stress tests on the LifeStraw device:
http://www.youtube.com/user/UnculturedProject#p/c/60DAB7DF54CCFF0A/5/ycEnu9p1GPE

Come to Wharton’s December 4th disaster relief conference to

• learn more about how
  • social entrepreneurs (EcoEnergyFinance, OneDegreeSolar, Vestergaard-Frandsen)
  • corporations (General Electric) and
  • non-profits (United Grassroots, Team Rubicon)

• learn about what issues remain unaddressed, and where value can be generated
• bounce your ideas with the panelists