What is the Waterpod Project?
WATER THAT DOESN’T COST THE EARTH. The Waterpod project stands as the world’s most advanced grocery-store drinking water refill system. It makes affordable, purified refill water a natural part of every shopping trip. Born in Africa by I-DROP, this next-generation system combines advanced purification technology with a compact, user-friendly design that is connected to the Internet for remote monitoring and control. The system is smart and simple, designed to ensure that safe drinking water is accessible to everyone right during a weekly shop… and that affordability and environmental care go hand in hand.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
• NO CAPITAL COST TO SHOP OWNERS – Installation involves signing a contract with a grocery store owner, with the Waterpod installed at zero upfront cost.
• SHOPPERS REFILL, PAY & SAVE – Consumers refill their own containers, paying per litre at the till, saving money with each purchase.
• MULTI-STAGE WATER PURIFICATION – The system utilizes an advanced purification process that cleans water efficiently without any waste.
• REAL-TIME ONLINE MONITORING – Integrated I-DROP water connected network technology keeps tabs on every unit, ensuring quality and reliability.
• INNOVATIVE REVENUE-SHARE MODEL – I-DROP tracks water sold and invoices monthly in arrears, typically sharing 50% of water sales volumes with shop owners.
How It Works: The Simple Process
The process is refreshingly straightforward. Once a contract is signed, the Waterpod is installed in the store at no cost to the shop owner. The water undergoes regular testing to confirm it is safe and tastes great. Shoppers simply bring their drink containers and refill them at the built-in dispenser. They then pay at the till by the litre for the water they need. In short: shop owners sell refill water, shoppers save money (and plastic), and I-DROP takes care of purifying water. The cycle is seamless and efficient, making every refill a win for both the customer and the environment.
Innovative Purification and Technology
This system uses multi-stage water purification that packs a punch, ensuring water is purified without wasting a drop. With integrated real-time online monitoring, the technology constantly delivers insights and improves reliability. Smart data technology monitors water quality at all times, making sure that what comes out of the dispenser is consistently safe and fresh. The advanced purification techniques, combined with IoT connectivity, create a layer of transparency and trust. It is a perfect blend of cutting-edge science with everyday practicality, all served up in a compact unit that truly transforms the refill experience.
Installation and Ease of Maintenance
Installation is designed to be as simple as possible, which is a significant advantage both for shop owners and shoppers. Thanks to its compact form and no need for drainage plumbing, the Waterpod can be installed just about anywhere in the store. For shop owners, this means that there are minimal disruptions and a hassle-free maintenance routine. For shoppers, the system provides a built-in dispenser with pre-programmed refill sizes for common 5L and 10L options, along with a hose-gun for refilling larger containers that can stay in the shopping cart while filling. This convenience is key in promoting regular usage and supporting sustainable consumption practices.
Empowering Communities with Affordable, Clean Drinking Water
Affordability and convenience converge in the Waterpod project, making purified drinking water a part of everyday shopping routines. At only a fraction of the price of bottled water, this system allows shoppers to feel immediate savings in their pockets. At the same time, the shift from single-use plastic bottles to refillable water containers contributes to long-term environmental benefits, particularly in reducing plastic waste that burdens the planet. The approach is simple: safe, clean water should never be a luxury. It is designed to support community health, empower local businesses, and foster an eco-friendly mindset. Every refill represents a step toward a greener, more sustainable future for communities across Africa.
Project Impact on Environment and Society
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring safe drinking water is essential for a healthy community.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Providing purified water contributes directly to the global goal of water access.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The Waterpod represents innovation in retail and sustainable infrastructure.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Switching to refill systems reduces plastic waste dramatically.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Lowering reliance on bottled water helps fight climate change through reduced carbon footprints.
A Vision for Every Grocery Store in Africa
The mission is clear: a Waterpod in every grocery store in Africa. Safe drinking water should never be a rare privilege; it must be woven into the fabric of everyday life. The project envisions a future where every shopper can access purified water while shopping, where local store owners benefit from high profit margins and shared revenue, and where every refill reduces the planet’s plastic burden. Emphasizing both quality and affordability, the Waterpod transforms the shopping experience into an environmentally friendly practice. The combination of advanced purification, smart monitoring, and ease of maintenance all contribute to a new era of water consumption. With forward-thinking design and real-time network insights, each installation not only supplies water but also builds trust in the system. It is a vision that merges innovation with sustainability, ensuring that the essential resource of clean, safe water becomes something available to everyone, today and for generations to come…
