This powder is turning muddy, contaminated water into clean drinking water all over the world

Team Udayavani, Aug 17, 2020, 12:30 PM IST

There are people around the world who still do not have access to clean drinking water, due to which  they often fall ill  from water-borne bacteria and viruses, disease-causing microorganisms, and other pollutants

But, this small packet of water purifier powder can transform muddy, contaminated water into potable water. The packet was invented by P&G laundry scientists who were originally trying to separate dirt from used laundry water.

According to Upworthy,In 1999, Phil Souter, a chemist and an associate director of research and development at P&G, was working on a project to effectively recycle laundry water when he had an idea. He wanted to create a powder packet  like a detergent, that could scrub cloudy and dirty water of anything harmful and turn it into safe drinking water.

The powder has been proven to remove the vast majority of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, even in highly turbid waters. It is said that just 4 grams of the powder can clean up to 10 litres (2.6 gallons) of dirty water in just 30 minutes.

One needs to stir the water and powder for five minutes so that harmful particles are pulled out from the water and they coagulate together to form small insoluble particles and settle at the bottom of the jar. Once all the clumps have settled, you can strain the water with a piece of cloth or fabric as you pour it into a new, fresh container. Then let the water sit for 20 minutes so that the remaining virus and bacteria is killed

The company has worked with 150 different partners around the world to provide clean water to those in need and is still continuing to help distribute the packets more such places