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Filter device could provide clean water in Iraq towns

Filter device could provide clean water in Iraq towns

A Buckinghamshire New University student from Iraq has designed a filter bucket to provide clean drinking water in his home country by removing much of the chlorine contained in supplies.

Kahyawan Mohammed, 24, studying BA (Hons) Product Design, is from Kanakawa, in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq, and says his KaiWater filter removes potentially-damaging chlorine, making it safer and more enjoyable to drink.

Iraq has a population of more than 37 million, with around 31% in rural areas, and Kahywan says while major cities are served by clean water, the government uses chlorine to treat water that comes through the tap in rural regions.

 

Kahyawan Mohammed pouring himself a glass of water from a water tap

“If you live in a place like Kanakawa you are most likely drinking chlorine-treated water, which tastes bad and is potentially harmful to the human body if regularly consumed over time,” said Kahyawan.

“KaiWater uses activated carbon to filter the water so people could run a tap, put it through the bucket, and use it. It has a handle and tap so can be transported and used anywhere, and could change many Iraqi people’s way of life."

Kanakawa is a small town where around 20% of the population are members of Kahyawan's family. “This is for a better tomorrow for my home town and others like it,” he added.

 

A water filter within a lid of a cup

 

The ambitious student, who graduates in September, has already been home once to test the water and gain opinion on his product, which is made from polypropylene.

“I showed people the final product and explained to them how it works,” said Kahyawan.”It turned out a lot of people liked the idea and would be happy to buy one.”

He’s due to return home again next month where he’ll be illustrating KaiWater’s benefits to more Kanakawa residents. “My dream would be for it to be mass-produced, but that is some way off,” said Kahyawan.