Tata Chemicals unveils least-cost water purifier

Tata Chemicals today unveiled 'Tata Swach' - a unique and innovative water purifier, which requires no energy or running water to operate.

The replaceable filter-based product, which is entirely portable and based on low-cost natural ingredients, delivers safe drinking water at a new market benchmark of Rs30 per month for a family of five, a Tata Chemicals press release said.

An early version of the product first saw the light of day as part of the Tsunami relief efforts.

Built around a bulb-like water purifier made of natural elements like rice husk ash impregnated with nano-silver particles, 'Tata Swach' is convenient to use. It produces clean and safe water without using electric power or running water, which is often not available in rural areas. The cartridge bulb is packed with a purification medium, which has the capability to kill bacteria and disease causing organisms. It can purify up to 3,000 litres of water after which the cartridge stops water flow. The water purifier gives the user enough lead time for cartridge replacement.

Fourteen patents have been filed for the technology and product.

Speaking at the launch, Ratan N Tata, chairman, Tata Sons, said: "Safe drinking water is the most basic of human needs. The social cost of water contamination is already enormous and increases every year. Although today's announcement is about giving millions more people affordable access to safe water, it is an important step in the long-term strategy to find a solution to provide affordable access to safe water for all."