1.1 billion people (1/6th of the world’s population) have no access to clean water.

And six diseases causes over 90% of the deaths worldwide.

Clean, safe water is a key part of helping to prevent many of these deaths and to build up communities.

According to Amy-Mae Elliot in an October 26, 2011 article “5 Tech Breakthroughs Bringing Clean Water to the Developing World Mashable 5 Tech Breakthroughs Bringing Clean Water to the Developing World” in Mashable:

“Technology can help. There are various companies and charitable organizations working on easy-to-use, low cost solutions to benefit those across the globe for whom obtaining potable water is a daily struggle. And clean water doesn’t just mean less disease and death — it has economic and social implications, too.

Since the Mashable slide show is an incredible hassle to go through I’m going to give you a quick scan summary of the technologies with monk like spin.

1.  LifeStraw

This amazing device was quite ingenious – turn the water purifier into a straw you could carry around with you anywhere.

Apparently it removes 99.99% of all bacteria in the water.

The straw itself costs $5 and lasts a year for one person.

Pretty good deal if you ask me and it’s better than dragging a large water purification system with you while camping.

It’s available in the U.S. and Canada according to their web site.

Correction:  The price is $19 + 5 USD in shipping and handling.

2.  Slingshot

This portable water cleaning machine can turn even sewage water into 1000 litres of clean water per day by using no more power than a toaster.

You could definitely see solar panels and wind turbines easily powering this guy in a developing country.

It can also produce enough power to run energy efficient light bulbs in a small village.

The machine costs $2000.

3.  Midomo

This two wheeled water filtration system helps villagers carry water 3.7 miles with less back breaking while filtering 50 litres of water through ceramic filters.

To be honest, this one is as ingenious as the LifeStraw above.

Best of all it can be built locally with the skills of the local people in the community who will benefit from it.

The fundraising is also unique in that anyone who buys a Midomo Bracelet for GBP 275 ($435 USD) helps to send one Midomo to an African village.

4.  Lifesaver Jerrycan

This one reminds me of the days lugging jerry cans during basic military training.

The twist?

One of these bad boys can provide enough safe drinking water for a family of up to four for five years for only $0.15 per litre.

The can can hold 18.5 litres and clean 20,000 before you need a new one.

A great back up for your off the grid home too?

5.  Hope Project Water Bottle

This water bottle uses a super cheap yet effective 5 cent tea bag like filter with activated carbon and nano fibres.

Never says how many litres of water it will do though.

The video however will provide some details.

Those are just five awesome projects and technologies for providing clean drinking water anywhere in the world.

Without a doubt there are probably more going on.

Have you run across some clever and cost effective solutions to the growing water crisis?

Let everyone know in the comments below.

(Above Photo via Ondoy Heroes)

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