Aquaria Technologies, a startup based in San Francisco and founded in 2022, is tackling water shortages by creating a technology that turns air into clean drinking water. Their goal is to help areas hit hard by climate change and drought.
How It Works
Aquaria uses atmospheric water generators (AWGs) to pull moisture from the air and turn it into drinkable water. These machines are more advanced than old humidifiers because they use filters and UV light to ensure the water is clean. Their AWGs were recently recognized as finalists for the Future Resilience Prize in the 2024 Urban Future Prize competition.
Solar-Powered and Efficient
Aquaria’s AWGs run on solar power, making them an eco-friendly choice. They come with several layers of filtration, including particulate, carbon, and UV, to make sure the water is safe to drink.
Different Models for Different Needs
Aquaria offers several models:
- Hydrostation: Can supply water for up to 1,500 people, perfect for community use.
- Hydropixel: Designed for individual households, producing up to 24 gallons (91 liters) of water each day.
- Hydropack X: The largest model, making up to 264 gallons (1,000 liters) of water daily, which can replace a household’s need for municipal water.
Cost and Efficiency
The Hydropixel is highly efficient, using just 1.25 kWh of energy per gallon (330 Wh/L). This means that if you use solar power, your water could be very cheap or even free. Even if you use regular electricity, it will likely be cheaper than buying bottled water. Aquaria plans to install one of these systems in a 1,000-home community in Hawaii soon.
Other Companies in the Field
Aquaria isn’t the only company working on this technology. For example, Genesis Systems has developed the WaterCube, which produces 120 gallons of water a day.
The Growing Need
According to the UN, about half of the world’s population deals with water shortages every month. With climate change making droughts more common, technologies like Aquaria’s AWGs are becoming more important to provide a steady supply of clean water.
