The lack of access to clean drinking water is one of Africa’s many woes, resulting in people’s death. In Africa, people are burning firewood to boil water trying to have access to clean drinking water. The wood burning releases harmful toxins leading to various respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, the need for firewood is a drive of deforestation jeopardizing the water cycle and drying up groundwater. Access to separate bathrooms and defecation in the open has resulted in waterborne diseases. Although, people use wood and twigs to boil water to purify it. but they are still caught in a vicious cycle of air pollution, which is harming them anyway.
Contaminated Water in Zimbabwe
The current situation in Zimbabwe is showing a lack of access to clean drinking water and poor sanitation, especially in rural areas. The improper hygiene and the lack of investments in the sanitation sector during and after the economic crisis has contributed to the problem farther. In fact, only 51% of people in rural Zimbabwe have access to clean drinking water. Even shallow wells, boreholes, and taps are filled with dirty water. Moreover, there is no specific information about which water sources are safe, so residents have to take their chances to locate clean drinking water. Many boreholes don’t even work, and the government alone is struggling to solve the issue.
The Water Purifier Technology
The water purifier technology is one miracle that can provide access to clean water and, at the same time, prevent fuel consumption and harmful emissions. The latest water purifier technology provides the facility of filter and water storage in one system. It uses two buckets, with the top one filled with raw water and the bottom one for water storage for an extended period. A candle filter between the two buckets filters the dirty water, removing 99.99% of bacteria, protozoa, and turbidity. The candle filter is usually made of a ceramic clay material and offers an excellent alternative to removing fine particles from the water. Besides, the bucket system can contain up to 40 litters, after which the candle filter can be replaced.
Benefits and Opportunities of Water Purifiers
Clean water is vital for proper hygiene, nutrition, and overall health. Here are some of the benefits of a water purifier system:
Conserves Water
The primary benefit of water purifiers is that they conserve water for future use. Their recycling system makes the water reusable, ensuring it is not wasted. This is especially useful as it saves households time and effort, while being more productive and allocate time to boosting income, food production, and nutrition of the household.
Removes Contamination
Quality water purifiers selectively remove harmful contaminants from the water, leaving minerals necessary for the health of individuals and saving them from deadly waterborne diseases. In addition, water purifiers can control the pH so that the water is neither too acidic nor too basic.
Less Pollution
New technologies are pushing water purifiers towards adopting eco-friendly designs to reduce pollution. The latest water purifier technology uses limited chemicals to clean water. UV, bio-sand, and ceramic filters in water purifiers also limit the damaging effect of harmful toxins on the environment.
How Aither is Fighting Climate Change with The Water Purifier Project
Aither provides carbon finance to rural communities that contribute to saving forests and purify air from harmful emissions in the least developing countries. We strive to help rural communities to overcome barriers to afford water purifiers. Our project complies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as ensure availability and sustainable management of water, healthy lives and promote well-being, empower women and girls, and tackling climate change and preserving our environment. And our carbon credits are verified and monitored by international bodies like Verra and Gold Standard.