5 Million Children Die Each Year From Drinking Contaminated Water

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80% of all sickness and disease in the developing world is caused by the poor quality of drinking water and sanitation.  Thousands of people die every day from unsafe water; millions more suffer from the effects of it.

Woman carrying firewood and child.

This situation can change.  Research conducted by Marshall Logvin and David Ciochetti at California State University in Sacramento, under the direction of Robert Metcalf, Ph.D., revealed some encouraging results.  These men considered the studies of Louis Pasteur over a century ago.  Dr. Pasteur, you may recall, discovered that heat would kill disease-causing microbes in milk.  They determined that the disease-causing microbes in water do not have any unusual heat resistance and should be killed at temperatures similar to those used in milk pasteurization.

People using the solar oven, can heat water to 149 degrees Fahrenheit (or 65 degrees Centigrade) for 10 minutes to kill all known water borne bacteria and parasites.

A simple-to-use WAPI (Water Pasteurization Indicator) has been developed by Solar Cookers International. The WAPI is a special purpose thermometer with a memory that can be used over and over.  The WAPI is a sure test of successful water pasteurization.  The Solar Oven Society includes a WAPI with each Sport solar oven purchased.

Please imagine for a moment, what the impact of safe water for drinking and personal use would have on a family and a village.

  • Less sickness
  • More healthy people able to tend gardens or family businesses
  • More children who will grow into adulthood and be able to care for aging parents

As we all learn about the capabilities of solar ovens and ways to improve them, we help each other.