SOLAR WATER PASTEURIZATION

Disease-causing organisms in water are killed by exposure to heat in a process called pasteurization. Water that has been heated to 65ºC (150ºF) for a short period of time is free from microbes including Escherichia coli, Rotaviruses, Giardia and the Hepatitis A virus. At around 70ºC (160ºF), milk and other foods are pasteurized.

Why Pasteurize?

Worldwide, unsafe water is a major health problem. Over 1 billion people do not have access to safe water. Preventable waterborne diseases are responsible for approximately 80% of all illnesses and deaths in the developing world. Children are especially susceptible, with nearly two million deaths each year.

How is Pasteurization Accomplished?

Traditional fuels can be used to pasteurize water, but on sunny days solar energy can be used as well. Simple solar cookers can pasteurize water for a family at a rate of about one liter per hour. Solar Cookers International's reusable Water Pasteurization Indicator (WAPI) can be used to determine when water heated by solar or conventional means has reached appropriate temperatures to make it safe.

Related topics

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