SOURCE Global Is Making Drinking Water From Sunlight & Air | Fifth Wall

Summary

Source Water is revolutionizing the way we access drinking water by harnessing the power of renewable energy to extract water from the atmosphere. Using a groundbreaking nanomaterial, their Hydra panels convert sunlight and air into clean, potable water anywhere on the planet. The company is addressing global water scarcity challenges, particularly in water-scarce regions like the desert. Partnering with real estate developers and organizations, Source Water provides sustainable solutions that support both businesses and communities, offering water positive developments and economic opportunities. The company’s work with Fifth Wall further strengthens its impact in the real estate sector.

Takeaways

• 😀 Source Water uses a technology called Hydra Panels to convert sunlight and air into drinking water, eliminating the need to transport water over long distances.
• 😀 Unlike traditional methods that are energy-intensive, Source Water's process uses a revolutionary nanomaterial that absorbs water from the air, powered by solar heat and minimal electricity.
• 😀 There is significantly more potable water in the atmosphere than on the planet's surface, but extracting it has historically been energy-heavy. Source Water's technology makes this process sustainable and energy-efficient.
• 😀 The technology is key in addressing water scarcity, particularly as climate change shrinks the available areas for potable water, affecting real estate development and survival in many regions.
• 😀 Source Water works with real estate developers, offering solutions to communities facing water shortages and helping them become water-positive by generating local, renewable water resources.
• 😀 In areas like Mendocino, California, high-value real estate has faced severe water shortages, highlighting the growing importance of sustainable water generation for communities.
• 😀 The Hydra Panels produce high-quality, pure water that is cost-effective over time, with improvements in performance and cost reduction as the technology scales.
• 😀 Source Water’s technology works efficiently even on cloudy days, with a reserve of stored water that can support consistent water production and usage for up to a week.
• 😀 The taste of water produced by Source's Hydra Panels has been compared favorably to premium bottled waters, such as Fiji and Pellegrino, due to the inclusion of magnesium for a crisp taste.
• 😀 The company's mission is to enable people to access water without the need to worry about logistics or pollution caused by bottled water, ultimately helping communities be more productive and resilient.
• 😀 Source Water’s technology supports not only water access but also economic development by empowering local communities (such as women's committees) to generate income by selling water.
• 😀 The partnership with Fifth Wall, a platform of real estate industry leaders, has been crucial in expanding Source Water's reach and aligning with companies focused on sustainable, water-efficient development in water-scarce regions.

Q & A

What is the primary technology behind Source Water's ability to produce drinking water?

Source Water uses a technology called the Hydra Panel, which converts sunlight and air into drinking water. The key innovation lies in using a nanomaterial inside the panels that effectively captures water molecules from the air, making the process more energy-efficient compared to traditional methods.

How does Source Water's technology differ from traditional methods of extracting water from the atmosphere?

Traditional methods typically use air conditioning systems to cool the air and condense water, which is energy-intensive and contributes to CO2 emissions. Source Water's technology, however, uses a nanomaterial that absorbs water from the air and only requires heat and a small amount of electricity from the sun, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

What is atmospheric water generation, and why is it important?

Atmospheric water generation (AWG) is the process of producing water from the moisture in the air. It is important because, as climate change reduces access to potable water in certain regions, AWG provides a sustainable and renewable way to generate clean drinking water, especially in areas with limited access to traditional water sources.

How does Source Water contribute to solving water scarcity in real estate developments?

Source Water works with real estate developers to create water-positive communities. By installing Hydra Panels, they enable developments to generate their own water on-site, reducing dependency on external water supplies, which is increasingly becoming a problem due to water scarcity and overburdened municipal systems.

Can you explain how Source Water works in areas with extreme water scarcity, such as deserts?

In deserts and other water-scarce regions, Source Water's technology is particularly valuable. The Hydra Panels extract moisture from the atmosphere, which allows businesses and communities to produce fresh, renewable water in areas where traditional water sources are limited or non-existent.

How does Source Water ensure the quality of the water produced?

Source Water's process of adsorption and disorption creates distilled water that is of the highest purity. The technology is designed to produce clean, high-quality water even in highly polluted environments, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption.

What kind of cost savings have businesses seen with Source Water's technology?

Source Water has seen significant cost savings due to the improved performance and lifespan of their Hydra Panels. With a longer life expectancy and more efficient water production, the cost per liter of water continues to decrease, making it an increasingly viable solution for businesses and communities.

How does Source Water address the potential issue of reduced productivity on cloudy days?

On cloudy days, Source Water's technology still operates, though at reduced efficiency. However, the system is designed with a reserve of water production from previous sunny days, so customers experience uninterrupted access to water even when the weather conditions are not optimal.

How does Source Water collaborate with NGOs and communities to promote economic development?

Source Water partners with NGOs to empower local communities, particularly women’s groups, to sell water produced by Hydra Panels. This initiative not only provides access to clean water but also fosters economic development, helping communities become more self-sustaining.

What role does the partnership with Fifth Wall play in Source Water's growth?

Fifth Wall has provided invaluable support to Source Water by connecting the company with key players in the real estate industry. This partnership has helped Source Water expand its reach, engage with potential customers, and secure strategic investors, enabling the company to scale its technology and address global water challenges.