Video – A billboard that produces potable (drinkable) water? Yes, the University of Engineering and Technology in Peru designed a potable water generator that produces water from the humidity in the air. This billboard requires a solid on-the-grid connection to perform its primary function. It works in the desert, even in a climate with up to 90% humidity, and produces about 100 liters a day. UTEC claims they are cheap to install, at about $1200 to set up.
What is interesting is the method the University chose to finance the project. You could set up a system like this anywhere, but rarely would the free water pay for its own creation. Attaching it to a billboard has added a revenue stream to the project, which can pay for set up and maintenance. The University saw an increase in advertising interest after the first water billboard was produced, which will hopefully fund more clean water for local Peruvians. Not bad for what started out as a demonstration of the school’s engineering program.