Sun brings water into the outback

A SYSTEM developed by WA-based Solar Energy Systems and Venco Products in collaboration with Murdoch University can provide drinking water to remote communities in WA and other states.

The solar-powered system uses a water pump combined with a reverse osmosis method of cleaning brackish and polluted water.

Solar Energy Systems managing director Anthony Maslin said the system was a functional prototype that would improve over time.

“The first system now ready for market can deliver around 400 litres of high quality drinking water per day,” Mr Maslin said.

“With our solar tracking array we suspect it may be significantly more.”

The system is expected to sell for $20,000. Larger systems are being developed and a 1,200 litre unit is now being tested for market.

Mr Maslin said reverse osmosis unit provider Venco was also developing a stock water model that in time could form part of the solution to salinity which is shaping as WA’s biggest environmental problem.