International Partnership on Safe Water Technology for Rural Communities in Developing Countries

Savannah State University, 2007 - $50,000

One-sixth of the world's people do not have access to safe drinking water, yet there is an abundant supply of freshwater resources, even in severely underdeveloped areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa. The problem is delivering water suitable for human consumption, as contaminated water kills more people than cancer, AIDS, war or accidents. The Savannah State University team will continue working with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) on a low-cost, low-maintenance water purification system using membrane technology. Local facilitators and entrepreneurs, both in the villages and in municipalities, will be trained in the use and maintenance of the system, and students at both institutions will work in product design, market research and develop a business plan.