By Randall Brink
A major challenge for those who enjoy boondocking or occasional dispersed camping on public lands is finding a source of fresh, potable water. Next to waste disposal and electricity, having a supply of fresh, clean water is essential to sustain or extend a boondock stay. So what if you could make water from the air? When I happened upon news of the Exaeris Water Innovations™ AcquaTap® system, which claimed that it could produce fresh, potable water from the air, I knew I was looking at something that would dramatically enhance the boondocking experience.
The Exaeris Water Innovations website says that it “leverages advancements in atmospheric water generation (AWG) technologies to create clean water from the atmosphere.” In other words, it creates water from the air around us. Except for in the burning desert in daytime, the AcquaTap will make fresh water from the moisture in the air 24/7. It’s part magic trick, part science.
According to Exaeris’ COO, Mike Joyce, his company’s device is the only system that can produce several gallons of fresh water daily using a small, 18” x” 24” piece of hardware about the size of a cooler, that weighs only 30 lbs. The technology recovers moisture from the air when the ambient humidity is at or greater than 20 percent. The AcquaTap runs on house battery, solar, or shore power, and produces up to five gallons per day. The system is also scalable, for those requiring greater amounts of water. Exaeris CEO, John Galbraith, says he expects the AcquaTap system to be sold for under $2,000.
When can we see the AcquaTap system?
The AcquaTap will be on display at this year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver, June 15-17, and the company forecasts that the system will be ready for deliveries later in 2021.
While the system was designed to address the global need for portable, inexpensive production of potable water in areas of the world beset with shortages, there is no question that such a device would be a welcome addition to any RVer’s equipment list. Imagine being free of the city water hose for indefinite stretches of time!
We will continue to report news of the system as its rollout proceeds this year.
Related:
Boondocking and running low on liquid? Bring water to your rig
##RVT985
WOW! A penny ¢.01 under $2000 and besides that I have a Sawyer The 0.1-micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of My hand and weighs just 2 ounces. It is capable enough to remove 99.99999% of all bacteria, including salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, as well as 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium, and 100% of microplastics. Get a dehumidifier and a Sawyer water filter and go out and have some fun. My Wife Son and I at least have one.
This reminds me of my neighbor from when I was a kid, He use to say “Instant Water” just add water and stir. I don’t believe the hype.
Many comments below claim the device is “just a dehumidifier”. The company clearly states it is NOT a traditional dehumidifier as it has no compressor. The difference is cost and reliability. The company claims the cost is pennies per day but I haven’t seen actual numbers.
But even if it were “merely a dehumidifier”, if it was designed to be rugged, reliable with constant use, run on battery/solar power, work outside 24/7 etc. That would make it unique. Try running your $200 dehumidifier outside constantly for a few days and see how long it lasts!
Another marketing ploy, a dehumidifier by a different name and much more cost, but I’m sure they will have plenty of customers, because some people have to have the very latest, or newest of everything regardless of whether it’s worth anything.
Although it sounds like a dehumidifier, making potable water sounds like a blessing indeed. Lets hope that RVTravel tests the unit at their winter hangout.
This seems like a wonderful invention!
Sounds like a great device for dehumidifying your RV…hint, hint.
“It’s part magic trick, part science.”
The science is the dehumidification and the cost.
The magic is the marketing hype.
Here’s another maker with handy water production calculator. The US is not an ideal location.
https://akvosphere.com/air-to-water-technology/
With all the air going over the evaporator and getting in the water, I’d not drink it. Those of you that use a dehumidifier know that they get dirty. Like SHARK TANK people say
I’M OUT.😁
OK if you like to drink distilled water.
Which I have to do for medical reasons
As I sat here in Quartzsite eagerly awaiting today’s issue, I first thought “Wow, finally, no need to load up on nearby mineral laden local water that kills our plumbing system”. Then I read the article and went to the website. Pie in the sky comes to mind. They say the 30lb unit is portable, then show two young backpackers merrily jaunting along. And, it’s only $1,999.99 (under $2,000). I wonder if it can generate five gallons at the 20% lower limit. It IS interesting though.
It’s called a dehumidifier, you can get one at any big box store fore under $300. All you need to do is put drain hose into a storage tank. Water would be good for toilet or showers. I would not drink the water from $2000 unit or a $200 unit. Just not a practical way to get water. Just Sayin
Exactly!
Yeah, needs humidity. Better in Houston, less in Amarillo.
Reminds me of the scam device from years ago that you install on your car to improve your gas mileage. Don’t forget what your Mom taught you. If it sounds too good to be true, then it isn’t true.
You may have one of these already. It’s up on the roof of your RV and you call it an air conditioner.
As asked below, how much power does it consume? This is especially important if the product is being promoted for boondocking.
Already have one. Its called a “dehumidifier” which can produce a gallon or two a day here in the northwest. Even more if left outside the RV! Weight and size about the same too. Agree with Jim’s question. Free water is about as likely as a free lunch.
I’ve had a cooler sized device that produces water from air for decades. It’s called a dehumidifier.
Exactly. Capture with the dehumidifier, boil it and it’s good to go.
First thing I want to know is how much power will it consume per gallon of water produced? Because: boondocking.