The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 unveiled “SAFEWTRS: Emergency Disinfection System of Drinking Water” to provide safe drinking water in communities.
Engr. Reynaldo Esguerra, chief science research specialist at the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute at Environmental and Biotechnology Division, introduced the innovation—a portable, manually controlled, solar-powered emergency drinking water system with a capacity of up to 2,000 liters of safe drinking water for nine hours.
It was formerly known as Upgraded Emergency Disinfection System (UPEDS). The decision to change the name to SAFEWATRS was made in August 2023 after it became clear that access to safe drinking water is a problem that affects many people on a regular basis rather than just in times of emergency.
The technology complies with the strict requirements outlined in the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.
SAFEWATRS uses solar panels, batch type or semi-continuous compact and mobile water treatment system which removes chemicals and metals in water, making it safe for consumption.
The technology can also operate on rainwater, spring water and turbid water.
The technology was already deployed to Bagong Silangan, Quezon City; Agoncillo, Batangas; Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur; and San Clemente, Tarlac. It had performance testing at Laguna Lake water which resulted in an excellent rating, following the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.
Region 1 is on the list of recipients of the technology through the efforts of DOST 1, which consistently offers customers and stakeholders high-quality service and assistance through the various programs and projects.