Hurricane Dorian

As the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian was still becoming evident, World Hope was heading to the storm-ravaged area of March Harbor and Green Turtle Cay with desperately needed relief supplies, including 6 “Flight Ready” Spectra Aquifer units.  These once-pristine areas were now unrecognizable after the hurricane and most water sources had been rendered salty or brackish.  The Aquifer units were quickly deployed by World Hope’s experienced water team along with Katadyn’s NGO Sales Manager John Wright.  World Hope had deployed these aquifer units in the past and they had them ready for disasters that could occur during hurricane season.

 The “Flight Ready” Aquifer 360 has several distinct advantages in emergency situations.  The unit is divided into three weight managed cases that can be checked as standard luggage on commercial flight.  It is also adaptable to virtually any power source – 12 or 24 volt vehicle batteries, house current or the included solar panels can power the unit, allowing it to be independent from precious power sources during an emergency.  The Aquifer’s simplicity is also a key advantage.  In contrast to conventional watermakers, the Aquifer’s membrane pressure is self-regulating and there is no danger of overpressure damaging the membranes.  Volunteers and operators with limited experience or language barriers can easily operate the unit using the visual quickstart guide included in the pump case of each unit.

The portability of the Aquifer units logistical and environmental benefits.  The light aircraft that transported John Wright and the World Hope team would be unable to deploy bulky cases or pallets of bottled water, as occurs in many disaster relief situations. As seen in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria, the logistical challenges of transporting bottled water can often limit its deployment.  The Aquifer can proved three hundred and sixty gallons of fresh water without leaving a trace.

With three days of their arrival, the World Hope/Katadyn team produced and distributed over 1,000 gallons of fresh water to the local population utilizing solar power.  The recovery process in the Bahamas will take months and even years in some cases, but the Katadyn Group is grateful for the partnerships established with organizations like World Hope and will continue to bring relief to those in need through our products and on-the-ground efforts.