Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS)

A simple, but effective, way to produce potable water SODIS.

- Alan Halcon

I spend a considerable amount of time in Mexico. Going back into certain rural areas can really make one feel as if they’ve fallen away from civilization. Housing is deplorable, lifestyle is poor, and drinking tap water is not recommended. At every turn, one is constantly reminded of how good we have it here, in the United States.

In those parts of Mexico and in other parts of the world with similar living standards, clean drinking water is certainly a welcome treasure. Viruses, bacteria and protozoa are ready to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting. Even the simple acts of washing your hands, brushing your teeth and rinsing your vegetables present a risk of contracting a bad bout of “Montezuma’s revenge.” Sadly, for those living in those areas, it is just a normal way of living and something they just accept as a part of life.

However, with very little effort, easily found plastic bottles and a little science know-how, people can live a much healthier and happier life free of dysentery and other intestinal illnesses. These illnesses, if not prevented, can severely limit one’s ability to survive.

STUFF IN THE WATER

In most of the United States today, good drinking water is generally taken for granted. But in much of the developing world, safe drinking water cannot be assumed.

Although there are many things in the water around the world that can get us sick, the three major health risks to humans found in water are from protozoa, viruses and pathogens. Each one of those categories of water-borne organisms presents a unique health hazard.