What Is the Waterpod Project?
The Waterpod is I-Drop’s next-generation grocery-store purified drinking water refill system. Born in Africa, it combines advanced purification technology into a compact, user-friendly design that’s connected to the internet for remote monitoring and control. Simply put, it’s the world’s most advanced grocery-store drinking water refill system, making affordable purified water part of everyone’s regular shopping. This innovative solution is designed to bring sustainable, safe drinking water to communities, especially in complex and challenging environments.
Main Benefits of the Waterpod
The Waterpod offers a range of impressive benefits that make it stand out:
- Purified drinking water at a fraction of the price of bottled water.
- Convenient and easy to use for people of all ages.
- No capital cost to grocery store owners for installation.
- Shop owners enjoy low-cost, high profit margins through a revenue-share model.
- Shoppers save money and reduce plastic waste by refilling their own containers.
- Real-time online monitoring ensures water quality and system reliability.
- Multi-stage purification that’s effective without wasting water.
How the Waterpod Works
The process is straightforward and designed to benefit everyone involved. First, shop owners sell refill water using the Waterpod installed in their stores. Shoppers then refill their own drinking water containers and pay at the till by the litre for exactly the amount they need. Meanwhile, I-Drop purifies the water, ensuring it’s safe and tastes great. This simple cycle helps shoppers save money and plastic, while shop owners gain a new revenue stream without upfront costs.
Technology Behind the Waterpod
The Waterpod is packed with smart technology. It features integrated I-Drop Water Connected Network technology that allows for real-time online monitoring. This smart data technology delivers valuable insights and improves system reliability, making maintenance easier and ensuring consistent water quality. Plus, the compact design requires no drainage plumbing, so it can be installed just about anywhere in a store. For shoppers, a built-in dispenser offers pre-programmed refills for common 5L and 10L sizes, while a hose-gun helps fill larger containers that can stay in the shopping cart.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation is hassle-free for shop owners. There’s no capital cost involved, and the Waterpod’s compact form means it fits easily into most store layouts without needing complex plumbing. After installation, water is tested to guarantee safety and great taste. Maintenance is simple, thanks to the remote monitoring system that tracks water quality and machine performance, allowing I-Drop to provide timely support and keep everything running smoothly.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by providing safe, purified drinking water.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – through advanced water purification technology.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – creating new revenue opportunities for shop owners.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – reducing plastic waste by encouraging refills.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – lowering environmental impact through sustainable water solutions.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaboration between I-Drop and local grocery stores.
The Vision Behind Waterpod
The mission is clear: safe drinking water should never be a luxury. The Waterpod aims to make affordable, purified drinking water accessible to everyone, especially across Africa. By integrating cutting-edge purification with smart technology and a user-friendly design, it’s changing the way communities access water. It’s not just about hydration—it’s about health, savings, and protecting the planet. Imagine a Waterpod in every grocery store across Africa… making a real difference, one refill at a time.
