the TATA swatch, water purifier

We've talked a lot about innovations in water purification, here's one that is actually being rolled out in India by the giant business group, Tata.

http://www.tataswach.com/

http://www.idsa.org/tata-swach-nanotech-water-purifier

It uses ash to filter, filters about 3,000L per filter, and has a mechanism to not let water through once the purification powder is depleted. It costs less than $25 (calculated to be $0.02 per day for a family of 5 in the above article).

It's most important feature is that it filters bacteria and viruses, but I haven't been able to find specifics. Rather than give specifics, the company website lists labs that have tested the filter's capabilities. That makes me feel a bit uneasy. It also does not filter dirt or salt very well, so the water needs to at least look clear before you put it through the purifier.

No matter how well the product delivers on its claim to filter bacteria and viruses, we are about to find out if it meets consumer demand for clean drinking water. I think the most interesting thing about this product is that a private company is mass producing it with the intention to market it throughout India.