Based on a series of simulations ran through sophisticated computer models, researchers from MIT are highlighting the possibility that a significant percentage of the population of Asia could suffer severe water shortages by the year 2050. As a basis for the study, the team made use of a pre-existing MIT-generated computer model designed to simulate Asia’s complex economic, climate, and growth characteristics. A detailed water-use model known as a Water Resource System was then introduced, and the team ran a number of simulations aiming to cover the widest range of potential scenarios.

According to the study, an extra one billion people living in Asia could experience water stress by the year 2050

Each of the simulations tested the key variables by holding steady one or more of the factors while allowing another, such as population growth, to increase in line with predicted numbers. Each of the scenarios also accounted for, amongst a host of other factors, the interconnected nature of the water supply in the affected regions. For example, if climate change or any other contributing element causes the water basin at the top of a network to go unfilled, other basins further down the network that would ordinarily be fed by the primary basin suffer in kind. Read more

There are many ways to filter and purify water out in the wild, the MSR Guardian and Oasis being a couple of the most recent we’ve looked at. Since 1999, Hydro-Photon has gone with ultraviolet light, offering lightweight, compact SteriPen purifiers that quickly zap away microorganisms. With its new Ultraviolet Reflection (UVR) technology, it makes the UV purification process even faster, so outdoor enthusiasts can get clean water more efficiently than ever.

The SteriPen Emergency+ kit will come with both 2- and 4-L water containers

UVR kits pair SteriPen portable, battery operated purifiers with soft RapidUVR water bottles. The bottles feature a proprietary reflective coating that amplifies and contains the UV rays from the purifier, speeding the process enough to purify up to 4 liters of water in 90 seconds, compared to 1 liter/90 seconds when a SteriPen is used without a UVR bottle. Read more

Recently, showers like the Nebia and the Hamwell’s e-Shower have launched to help us save water when showering. The WaterDrop foldable watering can, however, takes a much simpler approach. It is designed to collect the average 3.5 l (0.8 gal) of water we waste waiting for the shower to warm up.

The WaterDrop takes the form of a tote bag that allows for the easy collection, storage and transportation of water.

Designed by Spanish startup Esferic, saving water is only part of the WaterDrop’s aim. It is also hoped that it will help to “promote a societal shift in water consumption habits” by increasing people’s awareness about the need to be frugal with water.

Nonetheless, Esferic says daily use of the Waterdrop will save users more than 1,000 l (220 gal) of water a year. It is made of recyclable thermoplastic polyurethane and takes the form of a tote bag with a reinforced handle so as to allow for the easy collection, storage and transportation of water. Read more

Innespace Productions, co-founded by New Zealander, Rob Innes and Californian Dan Piazza, has just unveiled its latest submersible watercraft, the SeaBreacher. The two seat Dolphin (this along with the Bionic Dolphin constitute a new type of recreational watercraft modelled on a dolphin) was recently selected as one of Time magazine’s 2006 Best Inventions.

Angel in action.

The second model Innespace has designed and built, the new SeaBreacher is fifty percent larger than the original vessel in order to accommodate two full size occupants and larger engine packages. The current prototype is powered by a 130kW Atkins Marine rotary engine. The supercharged race version will produce over 180kW and an international race series is planned. The 12mm thick canopy on the SeaBreacher is taken from the new F-22 Raptor jet-fighter. Read more

Scientists at Rice University, the University of Swansea, the University of Bristol and the University of Nice – Sophia Antipolis have developed a new class of hydrocarbon-based material that they say could be “greener” substitute for fluorocarbon-based materials currently used to repel water.

The superhydrophobic coating, seen through a scanning electron microscope

Rice chemist Andrew Barron led the research. He says the team took inspiration from the lotus leaf – one of the most hydrophobic (water-repelling) surfaces known – which is actually made up of a hierarchy of double structures on the microscopic and nano scales. Read more