Low cost UF technology has recently been applied for disaster relief and low cost community potable water systems. Conventional membrane technology has been viewed as “inappropriate” and relatively costly. It has not been viewed as a viable option for low cost sustainable potable water supplies. Recent advancements in “very” low pressure ultrafiltration membranes have seen extensive deployment of systems in the developing world. Cost implications are promising. Safe affordable potable water at realistic volumes is now feasible. Water kiosks and “decentralised’ solutions are challenging our established views of how to solve the global potable water issue.

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