Solar Safe Water

Rotary, through ESRAG and WASH-RAG has been invited by Solvatten Foundation to join an ongoing project in Kenya.

In Kenya, almost 19 million people live without access to safe water at home and only 27% of the population have access to the electrical grid. This means that the majority of the population is dependent on firewood or charcoal to boil water for drinking and to heat water for hygiene and cooking. This is both time-consuming and expensive for families living on scarce resources, and in addition it raises greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

To reduce emissions and strengthen local resilience while improving families’ health and socio-economic conditions, Solvatten started this project in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya, 2017. So far more than 40,000 people been supported with Solvatten heaters by different humanitarian organizations. And this project has become a sunshine story.

Read the brochure “Everything starts with safe water”.

Technical information and evidence

Solvatten® is an award-winning Swedish innovation that disinfect water by using solar energy. It opens like a book, and after a few hours in the sun the water is hot and free from waterborne bacteria. It is the combination of UV (UVA and UVB) radiation and heating, (up to 75°C, 167°F), that ensure the high level of security of the water. It meets WHO’s highest demand on drinking water and are more efficient than chlorine to eliminate highly resistent bacteria, viruses and parasites. Read more here.

The heater is made of high quality inert plastic, high UV and heat resistant, and is recyclable. It is FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved and follow all restrictions for having contact with water and food. The Solvatten heater is produced using no additives (as for example Antimony, Bisphenol A, Bisphenol-S or heavy metals etc.), or any other raw material that is not approved to be used for food. Studies has shown that no chemicals are released to the water. It can be heated to 116 degrees Celsius without being deformed. The heater is recyclable.

Each device has an ID number that is registered on the user. In addition, a smart data collection tool is used to closely monitor how the units are distributed and used, and also to send data for follow-up. This gives us data to calculate the impact of Rotary’s donations.

The Solvatten heater is produced by a Swedish company, a well-established and reputable company, active since 1947. They are certified according to ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment). They also have an ambitious environmental sustainability plan, with goals from a wide perspective of climate, pollution, renewables, circularity, transportation etc.

This makes Solvatten a perfect solution for people in need of safe drinking water and hygiene. And in addition, we gain reduced deforestation, biodiversity, climate change, equity, health and wealth. Solvatten is a unique innovation supporting all Rotary’s AoF. If you have more questions, go to Solvattens FAQ.

One Solvatten heater support one family with hot and safe water or 7 years.
The benefits are amazing, socially, environmentally and economically: