Reuben Vollmer’s initial attempt to create water from air in 2014, using 3D printed components, was less than successful. This early experiment, prompted by a drought affecting his parents’ farm, involved a makeshift assembly of spirals, tinfoil, and a solar-powered fan. Fast forward to the present, and Vollmer, alongside business partner Tyler Breton, has developed the Spout atmospheric water generator. This device, compact enough to fit on a countertop, has achieved significant commercial success, garnering $1 million in preorder sales.
The Spout operates by extracting moisture from air, filtering it twice, and storing it in a UV-protected pitcher, producing 2.5 gallons of pure drinking water daily. This innovation utilizes a few hundred watts of electricity and represents a novel approach to water generation, potentially revolutionizing access to clean water. Vollmer’s comparison of water pipes to electrical wires and water bottles to batteries underlines his vision of a future where water accessibility mirrors that of solar energy.
An additional environmental benefit of the Spout is its potential to mitigate global warming by reducing water vapor, a major greenhouse gas. The device could lead to “water-neutral” homes and farms, producing as much water as they consume. Additionally, it offers a solution for providing clean water in drought-affected regions.
Comparative tests with popular water filters like Brita in Venice, California, have shown the Spout’s superiority in water purity. The Spout scored 98 out of 99 on the Simple Lab Healthy Water scale, significantly outperforming the Brita filter. The technology, which once seemed like science fiction, is set to be commercially available next year, marking a significant step in water generation and purification technology.
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