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A reliable water system for the water-stressed Atauro Island community Image
Case Study

A reliable water system for the water-stressed Atauro Island community

  • Site Name

    Atauro Island Community

  • Location

    Atauro, Timor-Leste

Map
Goal

Atauro is an island located off the coast of Timor-Leste in the Indonesian Archipelago. In addition to its natural beauty, what makes this island particularly special is that, according to Conservation International, it is surrounded by “the most biodiverse waters anywhere in the world.”

Because Atauro lacks reliable water infrastructure, community members face severe water stress and widespread water-borne illness as a result of contaminated or unreliable water sources. In an attempt to keep community members safe, bottled water is shipped in from the mainland and was the primary source of drinking water. But as a result, an excess of plastic waste threatened the precious marine life inhabiting Atauro’s beaches and reefs.

Challenge

Faced with fresh water scarcity, a remote location, harsh landscape, and poverty, the Island of Atauro presented several obstacles to finding a sustainable, resilient drinking water solution. The community needed a way to breakaway from reliance on plastic bottles, but also needed access to a water supply that was both clean and resilient despite the challenging conditions of the island.

Atauro Beachfront

SOURCE Project

Conservation International, in partnership with the Atauro community and SOURCE, installed 80 Hydropanels across two villages on the island to provide a reliable supply of clean, safe drinking water completely free of infrastructure and made from only sunlight and air. With reliable water access for the first time, and free of the dependence on single-use plastic bottles, residents can shift their focus to helping their communities thrive and protecting the wildlife that calls Atauro home

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Hydropanel Production Tool

Hydropanel water production tool

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Hydropanel General Installation Requirements:

  • Roof mounted hydropanels must be at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from the edge of any structure.
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  • Adequate structural integrity of the roof is required. Do not install on a roof that is damaged or otherwise insufficient to hold the weight and wind loads of the hydropanel.
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  • Consider whether there is space for a crane to set up and lift the hydropanels to their mounting location.
  • Ground locations should be firm, level, and evenly composed. The hydropanel can be placed on blocks, concrete, or mounted to lumber to provide a stable base to sit on.
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  • Consider factors like soil composition, and how to manage erosion or plant growth over time.
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  • Avoid installing the hydropanel where they may be wetted from irrigation sprinklers.
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  • Ensure the hydropanel is raised above the specified flood plain.
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  • Hydropanel should be anchored to the ground or sufficiently ballasted to prevent movement or damage from high winds.

Hydropanel General Installation Requirements:

  • Sunny mounting location – The SOURCE Hydropanel works best in full sun. Unobstructed sunlight required at least 5 hours per day. Avoid placing under shading objects such as trees, buildings, etc.
  • 4 x 6 foot (1.2 x 1.8 meters) mounting area per Hydropanel.
  • Minimum clearance of 1ft (30cm) in front of and behind the panels to allow access for service.
  • Minimum 3 inches (8 cm) between hydropanels from side to side within an array.
  • SOURCE Hydropanels must be installed at least 15 feet (5 meters) away from windows and should be positioned considering hydropanel sound with respect to living spaces.
  • SOURCE Hydropanels must be level from side-to-side with a maximum deviation of 20mm.
  • Hydropanel must be South Facing (180°) for locations in the Northern Hemisphere, or North facing (0°) for locations in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • The installation surface must be level. For example, a flat roof, or level ground.

Roof Mount Requirements:

  • Roof mounted hydropanels must be at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from the edge of any structure.
  • Adequate structural integrity of the roof is required. Do not install on a roof that is damaged or otherwise insufficient to hold the weight and wind loads of the hydropanel.
  • Consider whether there is space for a crane to set up and lift the hydropanels to their mounting location.

Ground Mount Requirements:

  • Ground locations should be firm, level, and evenly composed. The hydropanel can be placed on blocks, concrete, or mounted to lumber to provide a stable base to sit on.
  • Consider factors like soil composition, and how to manage erosion or plant growth over time.
  • Avoid installing the hydropanel where they may be wetted from irrigation sprinklers.
  • Ensure the hydropanel is raised above the specified flood plain.
  • Hydropanel should be anchored to the ground or sufficiently ballasted to prevent movement or damage from high winds.

Hydropanel Calculator

The amount of water you consume will determine how many panels you’ll need and the size of tanks we recommend. Use our calculator below for our panel and tank recommendation.

Each panel produces on average 180 bottles per month (16.9 oz bottles). For a more accurate estimation based on your location use this tool.

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