San Francisco-based startup Aquaria Technologies is revolutionizing access to clean drinking water by developing technology that extracts water directly from the atmosphere.
Founded in 2022, the company is pioneering the use of atmospheric water generators (AWGs) to capture moisture from the air and convert it into clean, drinkable water. This approach aims to address the growing challenge of water scarcity, particularly in areas facing prolonged droughts due to climate change. The company’s AWG technology ranges from small-scale units designed for individual households to large systems capable of supplying entire communities.
Atmospheric water generators are not a novel concept, but recent advancements have made them more efficient and scalable. Aquaria’s AWG models have garnered significant attention, with the company recently being named a finalist for the Future Resilience Prize in the 2024 Urban Future Prize competition.
Aquaria’s technology utilizes solar-powered boxes that perform more complex processes than standard humidifiers, which also draw moisture from the air but do not produce potable water. The company’s AWGs incorporate particulate filtration, carbon filtration, and ultraviolet (UV) sterilization to ensure that the water produced is safe for consumption.
Aquaria has developed several models to meet varying needs. The Hydrostation, for instance, can supply water for up to 1,500 people, while the Hydropixel is designed for individual use, capable of generating up to 24 gallons (91 liters) of water daily with just a regular power outlet. The largest model, the Hydropack X, can produce up to 264 gallons (1,000 liters) of drinkable water each day, potentially eliminating a household’s reliance on municipal water supplies.
Aquaria emphasizes the efficiency of its products, particularly the Hydropixel, which the company claims is one of the most efficient AWGs globally, using only 1.25 kWh per gallon (330 Wh/L). This efficiency means that homeowners with solar panels could generate water almost for free, while others may find it more cost-effective than purchasing bottled water from the store.
Looking ahead, Aquaria plans to install one of its AWGs in a 1,000-home community in Hawaii later this year, signaling its commitment to scaling its solutions for broader impact.
Aquaria Technologies is not alone in this field. Companies like Genesis Systems are also developing similar water-from-air technologies, such as the WaterCube, which can produce 120 gallons of water per day from atmospheric moisture.