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His Excellency Governor General David John Hurley surveys innovative new technology bringing drinking water security to at-risk NSW youth

Walgett Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) outfitted with sustainable water system that makes clean, safe, climate-resilient drinking water, purely from sunlight and air

December 15, 2021 – During a visit to a newly revamped Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) today, His Excellency, Governor General David John Hurley participated in a demonstration of innovative technology that is giving at-risk young people access to a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water.

Developed by Public Benefit Corporation, SOURCE Global, the renewables-powered Hydropanel technology uses the energy of the sun to draw water from the endlessly abundant supply of water vapour in the air, with no electricity or piped water infrastructure.

The proud partnership with PCYC has seen SOURCE install ten new Hydropanels which contribute to the sustainability and health outcomes of the new development. During today’s site visit, leaders from SOURCE gave Governor General Hurley a tour of the technology, and of course, a taste of the water.

Many in NSW, especially in remote communities, face dire water challenges – from high levels of salinity and contamination to aging or inadequate infrastructure – and Walgett is feeling the impact of recent droughts and unpredictable weather patterns.

“Water stress and climate change presents an ongoing challenge to rural families that we see manifest itself in the cost and environmental burden of bottled water and high-sugar drinks,” said Robert Bartrop, CRO for SOURCE. “The Walgett PCYC installation is a great example of how SOURCE Hydropanels can provide renewable, drought-proof drinking water to support the health and sustainability of the local community”.

The Walgett PCYC is one of 66 PCYC facilities that serve more than 70,000 vulnerable young people across the state, helping them reach their potential through sport, recreation, education, leadership and cultural programs. The club’s Hydropanels produce up to 350 litres of drinking water a week and support PCYC’s health initiative.

Dominic Teakle, CEO of PCYC NSW says the new technology has bolstered the sustainability attributes of the facility, while ensuring that Walgett’s young people have consistent access to high-quality drinking water.

“With Walgett’s drinking water facing significant contamination and supply risks, our partnership with SOURCE ensures that those attending PCYC facilities won’t rely on plastic bottled water or high-sugar beverages, further improving local health outcomes,” Teakle said.

SOURCE® Hydropanels can produce large volumes of water, even arid climates like central Australia, and be scaled to any size, from a single home to an entire community. Over its lifetime, a single panel can offset more than 57,000 single-use plastic water bottles.

ABOUT SOURCE:  A Public Benefit Corporation, SOURCE Global, PBC’s mission is to make drinking water an unlimited resource. The company’s SOURCE® Hydropanels create drinking water using sunlight and air as the only inputs, and can put the power of safe, sustainable drinking water in the hands of every person in nearly every climate and corner of the world. SOURCE is on Fast Company’s 2020 list of most innovative social good companies. The company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and operates in 52 countries and on six continents. SOURCE is a registered trademark of SOURCE Global, PBC.

CONTACT:
Alex Polson
alex.polson@source.co

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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.
  •  
  • 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.
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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.

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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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