Water and sanitation deprivation in Asia and across the developing world is a continuing problem. However, much progress has been made towards finding a solution. As the global population continues to grow, scientists and technological innovators have worked to develop ideas for the long-term survival and prosperity of the human race.

From cost effective water filtration solutions, to perfecting those innovations that our ancestors created, there has been no shortage of effort. However, the best strategy for solving problems of water shortages and sanitation is yet to be determined. Focusing on Asia, here are the top five solutions that could prove invaluable for millions of people, both now and in the future.

1. Waste to water

The waste to water solution has been in development for around 20 years. It is an ingenious response to several problems. However, there’s still much work to be done.

However, there is a glimmer of hope in the form a waste to water invention created by a company based in Seattle. As Borgen Magazine explains:

“Seattle Engineering firm, Janicki, developed an Omniprocessor that converts human waste directly to clean water. The safety of the water was confirmed by billionaire philanthropist, Bill Gates, who drank it and affirmed that he would happily drink it every day.”

2. Water credit loans

An idea put forward by Water.org, the premise is simple. By making small loans to individual communities in developing countries, local enterprises can make a big impact. The scheme cuts out large organisations and governments notorious for siphoning off money for themselves.

People are able to work to solve their own problems, and have a greater stake in the success of a given project. This type of loan investment has seen success in developed countries too.

3. Lifestraw

Invented by a Swiss company, the Lifestraw is a cost effective way of purifying small amounts of water. It has been marketed to school children successfully in Asia. The Lifestraw is easy to use, making it an attractive option. Just put one end of the nine-inch straw in unfiltered water and suck in clean water. The straw filters out contaminants using hollow fibre technology. In addition, no chemicals are involved.

4. Sono filter

Developed at the George Mason University, the Sono Filter uses natural minerals to purify water. Basically, the Sono Filter is a large bucket filled with iron, sand, gravel, and charcoal. These substances filter out arsenic and other toxic chemicals and bacteria.

At a cost of around £30 each, the Sono Filter could easily be bought for families using a water credit loan, as discussed above.

5. Drinkable book

Something that could have come from the realms of science fiction, the drinkable book is a book offering sanitation advice and essential knowledge on how to obtain fresh water. Each page is made from filtration paper and can be used effectively to make water safe to drink.

Making water safe to drink

These projects are helping to provide sanitised water to many people living throughout Asia. As much of the technology available is affordable and practical to use, such innovations are a wonderful way to help make water cleaner for people living all throughout the region.