LibreWater is an open-source hardware initiative that aims to address the global water crisis by providing small-scale solar desalination solutions. The project focuses on creating affordable, locally manufactured devices that produce clean drinking water from almost any water source, including seawater. By leveraging the power of open-source collaboration and digital manufacturing, LibreWater empowers communities to build and maintain their water purification systems.
Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet over 2 billion people lack this basic necessity. The water crisis has far-reaching consequences for health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. In rural areas, especially in less privileged parts of the world, appropriate technology is lacking to make drinking water from saline sources. Even in regions with abundant solar energy, the technology and know-how to harness this energy for water purification are often missing.
LibreWater proposes “beaming” digital designs for small-scale solar desalination devices worldwide. These designs can be materialized locally using 3D printers and CNC machines in Makerspaces. The project builds on the robust “Vertical Multiple-Effect Distillation technology,” which has been researched for over 60 years. The open-source approach allows for global collaboration, local adaptation, and continuous innovation.
Key Features
- Open-Source Hardware: Designs are freely available under the CERN Open Hardware License, allowing anyone to study, modify, distribute, and build the devices.
Local Manufacturing: Devices can be produced locally using basic Makerspace tools, reducing dependency on external suppliers. - Solar-Powered: The devices are powered by solar energy, making them suitable for off-grid and rural areas.
Community-Driven: The project emphasizes co-creation with local communities, ensuring that the solutions meet their specific needs and contexts.
LibreWater aims to provide sustainable access to clean drinking water for rural and off-grid communities worldwide. By empowering local makers and communities to build and maintain their water purification systems, the project addresses the water crisis and promotes education, economic participation, and gender equality.
Current Progress
- Prototype Development: The Acraea prototype has been developed and tested in labs. It is designed for replication using essential Makerspace tools.
- Awards and Recognition: The project won the “Make it Circular” award from What Design Can Do among 650 global submissions.
- Community Engagement: The project has established connections with Makerspaces in Greece, Egypt, Ghana, and Kenya and is part of the Global Innovation Gathering network.
- Pilot Project in Basra, Iraq: A collaboration with the local Makerspace community at Science Camp to implement a solar-powered prototype. Check the blog post about it
Future Plans
- Global Scaling: The project aims to replicate the solution in other regions, leveraging the growing network of Makerspaces and Fab Labs worldwide.
Get Involved
LibreWater invites makers, innovators, and communities to join the project. Whether you have technical skills, local knowledge, or a passion for solving global challenges, your contribution can make a difference. Visit the project repository to access designs, documentation, and more: LibreWater Acraea Prototype.
For more information or to get involved, please contact the LibreWater team at [contact email].
Join LibreWater in the mission to provide clean drinking water for all through open-source innovation and community collaboration!
Supported By
- Helidoni Foundation: Initial funding and support.
- Prototype Fund Hardware: Funding for prototype development.
- Global Innovation Gathering: Network and community support.
- Roddenberry Foundation: Implement a Solar-powered version in Basra, Iraq
