How Source Global Is Democratizing Access To Safe Drinking Water
How Source Global Is Democratizing Access To Safe Drinking Water Forbes
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SOURCE Global: Revolutionizing Access to Clean Drinking Water
SOURCE Global was founded with the goal of addressing one of humanity’s greatest challenges: access to clean drinking water. As the world’s first renewable drinking water system, SOURCE Global provides a clean and safe solution that is entirely off-grid and can be used almost anywhere in the world.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 13: Climate Action
According to the United Nations, over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services. In the United States, studies have shown that half of all tap water is contaminated with PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’.
This alarming reality inspired Dr. Cody Friesen, the visionary founder and CEO of SOURCE Global, to develop a revolutionary solution. Driven by a commitment to using cutting-edge technology to solve critical global issues, Dr. Friesen embarked on a mission to transform the way we address these challenges, leading to the development of their game-changing R3 model.
During a conversation with Dr. Friesen, he shared his journey and stated, “I have been in the renewable energy space for nearly two decades, and I’ve always been driven to solve challenges that are both global in scope and profoundly personal.”
The Urgency of Access to Clean Drinking Water
While it may be tempting to think of drinking water access as someone else’s problem, the reality is that it affects every home and every life. Aging infrastructure, combined with climate change and socioeconomic factors, limits the ability of many people to access safe and clean drinking water.
Dr. Friesen explained, “When the inefficiency of aging infrastructure is combined with anthropogenic changes to our climate and the socioeconomic factors that limit the ability of so many people to access safe, clean drinking water, the urgency of this challenge is unmistakable.”
The Vision for Universal Access to Clean Drinking Water
Dr. Friesen envisioned a solution that transcended conventional approaches. By harnessing the power of sunlight and renewable energy, he aimed to make clean drinking water universally accessible. This led to the development of the remarkable SOURCE Hydropanels, which generate drinking water from the air without relying on groundwater or outdated infrastructure.
Drinking water challenges are not limited to specific regions; they exist in every home and for every individual. SOURCE Global’s mission is to perfect water for every person, in every place. Dr. Friesen drew a parallel between air and water, stating, “For a moment, let’s compare the fundamental nature of air and water. To own the air you breathe, you simply take a breath, independent of where you are and how much money you have. It’s intrinsic to your life. As is the water you drink. However, unlike air, you’re either lucky enough for the government to provide you with potable water, or you go to the store and buy it. It’s still fundamental to your life, but it’s anything but intrinsic.”
Source Global aims to close this gap by democratizing drinking water through their Hydropanels. These panels produce clean drinking water from the air, decoupling geography and existing resources from safe drinking water access.
The Impact of Water-Related Diseases
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 3.4 million people die from water-related diseases each year, making it the leading cause of disease and death worldwide. This means that one person dies from a waterborne illness every 10 seconds.
Dr. Friesen discussed the challenge of addressing all the drivers of waterborne illness and stated, “I believe we’ve only been going backward in this regard.” He aspired to democratize drinking water to the point where the number of seconds between someone dying from a waterborne illness becomes infinite.
The Technology Behind SOURCE Hydropanels
SOURCE Hydropanels represent a groundbreaking departure from previous solutions. These panels use engineered hygroscopic materials to pull water vapor from the air and concentrate it. By exposing these materials to sunlight, the water vapor is condensed within the Hydropanel, resulting in clean and pure drinking water.
Dr. Friesen explained, “Because of that approach, the resulting liquid water has a composition like that of distilled water. We then mineralize, ozonate, and store that now perfect water for delivery to a tap. It’s the best water you’ve ever had in your life.”
The R3 Innovation
Source Global has introduced their game-changing R3 innovation, which builds upon the technology of the SOURCE Hydropanels. The R3 version is readily shippable and installable by consumers in the United States, allowing them to take control of the water they put into their bodies.
Dr. Friesen highlighted the need to move away from traditional approaches to water supply, stating, “We’re still approaching water as the Romans did: we wait for it to rain and move the resulting water from its origin point through vast infrastructure to where we need it. Now, consumers can produce water when and where they need it without the hassle, risk, or expense of existing approaches.”
SOURCE Global’s Social Impact
SOURCE Global’s transformative influence extends beyond technological advancements. The burden of water collection, which primarily falls upon women and children, is a challenge that SOURCE actively addresses. By providing access to clean drinking water, SOURCE helps alleviate the time and energy spent on water collection, allowing individuals to pursue education and other essential activities.
Whether it’s installing Hydropanels in homes on the Navajo Nation, indigenous lands in Australia, or villages and schools in South Africa, SOURCE Global’s social impact is deeply ingrained in their mission. The company operates as a Public Benefit Corporation, investing their time and talent to solve drinking water scarcity globally.
Dr. Friesen emphasized the importance of their vision by sharing moments of impact, stating, “Seeing the reaction of a woman who is used to spending hours a day fetching water, drink our water from a tap in her home for the first time, never gets old. And when we install an array at a school that hasn’t had potable water, it drives home the importance of our vision.”
With a purity of purpose and an unwavering commitment to making a difference, SOURCE Global’s transformative endeavor holds immense value. By providing universal access to clean drinking water and reducing plastic waste, they are driving positive change for individuals and the environment.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:
- SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- SDG 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
- SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Access to safely managed drinking water services
- Contamination of tap water with PFAS (forever chemicals)
- Water main breaks and water loss in the U.S.
- Number of deaths from water-related diseases
- Reduction in waterborne illness
- Availability and installation of SOURCE Hydropanels
- Reduction in time spent on water collection, particularly for women and children
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | – Access to safely managed drinking water services – Contamination of tap water with PFAS (forever chemicals) |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | – Contamination of tap water with PFAS (forever chemicals) |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. | – Availability and installation of SOURCE Hydropanels |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being. | – Availability and installation of SOURCE Hydropanels |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | – Reduction in time spent on water collection, particularly for women and children |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: forbes.com
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