Latest news with #cleanwater
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema and African Development Bank's (AfDB) Akinwumi Adesina Inaugurate Water Pumping Station for Greater Libreville
'Ten years without clean water: erased! Ten years without hope: forgotten! Ten years of suffering: over!'—Adesina to residents of Libreville's outlying neighborhoods. Adesina Receives Gabon's Highest Civilian Honor Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema and African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina ( on Monday jointly inaugurated a new drinking water pumping station, marking the end of a decade-long water crisis in PK5, a densely populated district of Libreville. The new PK5 pumping station, with a daily capacity of 57,600 cubic meters, is designed to deliver clean water to 128,000 residents across seven northern districts of the capital. 'These past few weeks, we've finally felt like citizens of real capital. Water is flowing from our taps at last,' said Sandrine Onanga, a 33-year-old mother living in PK5. 'It has been eight years since we last saw a drop of water. We had even forgotten what a tap looked like,' added Astrid Momboukou, who joined the crowd to witness the inauguration of the facility. For years, taps had run dry in parts of Libreville. 'That's all behind us now. No more lugging water jugs for kilometers. No more waiting late into the night for police tankers to deliver water every two or three days,' said Sandrine, smiling under the light rain that fell over Libreville that Monday. The new station was inaugurated in the presence of senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and an enthusiastic local population. It forms part of the Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program for Libreville (PAIEPAL). The program, with a total investment of €117.4 million, is financed through a €75.4 million loan from the African Development Bank and a €42 million loan from the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), backed by the People's Bank of China and administered by the Bank. The program aims to improve access to potable water and sanitation services in Libreville, strengthen sector governance, and build capacity for long-term transformation. The initiative ensures that more than 300,000 people—approximately 31% of Libreville's 967,095 residents—now have sustainable and permanent access to clean water. The beneficiary communes include Libreville, Akanda, Owendo, and Ntoum. Adesina emphasized the life-changing impact of the new pumping station: 'Ten years without drinking water: erased! Ten years without hope: forgotten! Ten years of suffering: ended!' The Bank, a reliable and strategic partner for Gabon Adesina also highlighted the Bank's unwavering development support for Gabon during his ten-year tenure. 'From 1974 to 2014, the Bank approved $1 billion in financing for Gabon. Since my election in 2015, we have committed an additional $1.5 billion—1.5 times the previous 40-year total,' he said. According to Philippe Tonangoye, Gabon's Minister for Universal Access to Water and Energy, the project has significantly improved water infrastructure. It involved renewing 150 kilometers of pipelines, upgrading and extending another 150 kilometers of distribution networks, building and rehabilitating multiple water towers, and installing around 60 public standpipes across Libreville and surrounding areas. 'The African Development Bank spared no effort to make this program a reality,' said Minister Tonangoye. 'Some of these installations had not seen a single drop of water in ten years. My gratitude goes to the Bank for its commitment to Gabon.' President Adesina receives top Gabonese honor Ahead of the inauguration, Gabonese President Oligui Nguema conferred on Adesina the insignia of Grand Officer of the Order of the Gabonese Merit, one of Gabon's highest civilian honors, in a ceremony witnessed by his wife, Grace Adesina. Recognized for his visionary leadership, Akinwumi Adesina—dubbed 'Africa's Chief Optimist'—will complete his second and final ten-year term as President of the African Development Bank Group on 31 August. Since 2015, he has led transformative projects across Africa under the Bank's five strategic priorities, the 'High 5s' ( Through these priorities, 565 million people have seen their lives transformed. In the water sector alone, 63 million people gained access to clean water and 34 million to sanitation services. Flagship projects in Gabon For decades, the Bank has supported Gabon's socioeconomic development by helping diversify strategic sectors. It is now Gabon's leading infrastructure partner. Among flagship projects, the Bank financed the New Owendo International Port. With a capacity of four million tonnes per year, this multi-purpose port (minerals, timber, containers) has reduced handling costs by 30% and become a critical link in Gabon's logistics chain. In this context, the Gabonese President took Dr. Adesina on a tour of the La Baie des Rois Special Investment Zone, located 18 km from the port. The maritime façade of the Gabonese capital aims to be modern to attract international real estate investors to revitalize the country's economy and create wealth for the population. The Bank is also helping Gabon develop the Kinguélé Aval hydroelectric power station—the country's first energy PPP—which will add 40 megawatts of reliable, affordable, and clean energy. It is also financing the Ndende-Doussala road, a key segment of the Libreville-Brazzaville corridor that will connect Gabon and Congo and boost regional integration. With an active portfolio of $61.26 million, the African Development Bank Group's strategy in Gabon focuses on two priority areas: supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure to drive industrialization, and strengthening economic governance and the business climate to promote social inclusion. Following the inauguration, President Oligui Nguema and Akinwumi Adesina visited two families in separate districts that were once severely impacted by water shortages. They also toured the National School for Hearing-Impaired Children, which serves hundreds of students. Since gaining access to clean drinking water, the school has seen a significant improvement in hygiene conditions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Dr. Adesina's speech (French) ( Pictures ( Contact: Romaric Ollo Hien Communication and External Relations Department media@ About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
Forbes
7 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Water Filter Pitchers, According To Filtration Experts
If you're concerned about what's really lurking in your tap water—for whatever reason—a water filter pitcher can go a long way in making it cleaner (not to mention better-tasting). But the best water filter pitchers on the market actually go a step farther: Not only do they target odors or chlorine, but they're also frequently shown to reduce heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other common impurities. After extensive review and expert consultation, our editors are recommending the ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour Pitcher as the best overall water filter pitcher in 2025. It features a comprehensive five-stage filtration system that effectively removes chlorine and potentially harmful substances known as 'forever chemicals'—all without needing frequent filter changes. If you don't have an under-sink water filter, faucet attachment or whole-house filtration system, a pitcher is likely the simplest way to improve the quality of your water. 'Water pitcher filters offer several significant benefits for homeowners concerned about their drinking water quality, including taste and smell as well as contaminant reduction," says Kyle Postmus, senior manager at the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). He emphasizes looking for NSF certification marks, which confirm through independent testing that filters reduce the contaminants they claim to target. For instance, NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certifies pitchers that reduce health-related contaminants like lead and VOCs, while NSF/ANSI 401 focuses on newer impurities, such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals. Since pitcher filters vary significantly in what contaminants they remove, it's important to consider your local water quality and the specific impurities you're most concerned about. Our top picks include a variety of expert-recommended pitchers for different needs, whether you want something stylish with advanced features like the UV-equipped Larq Pitcher PureVis or a reliable and budget-friendly option like the Brita Tahoe. Certifications: NSF/ANSI 42, 53; IAPMO | Pitcher material: BPA-free plastic | Pitcher capacity: 10 cups | Filter lifespan: 20 to 40 gallons | Filter replacement cost: $35 (two-pack) | Dishwasher safe: No Best for: Skip if: The reason ZeroWater's pitcher lands at the top of our list comes down to one specific measurement: total dissolved solids (TDS). These are things like metals, salts and minerals that most pitchers don't fully eliminate, and they're usually what makes tap water taste flat, metallic or just off. The ZeroWater pitcher eliminates virtually all dissolved solids, so your water actually tastes clean instead of barely improved from the tap. It's also one of the few pitcher brands independently certified by IAPMO to filter out contaminants like lead, chromium, mercury and even PFAS (also known as forever chemicals). This pitcher comes with a digital meter that clearly tells you when the filter needs replacing: Once your water's TDS reading hits "006" or higher, it's time to swap filters. Typically, you'll get about 20 to 40 gallons per filter, though in areas with very hard water, you should expect it to be on the lower side. Because the filter can take a few minutes to work, the ZeroWater pitcher has a built-in spigot at the bottom that lets you grab a glass of water even if it hasn't fully finished filtering yet; this is a great feature if you live with multiple people or simply don't want to wait. Just keep in mind you'll likely replace filters a bit more often than with some other pitchers, so it's worth stocking up on replacements. Certifications: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 | Pitcher material: BPA-free plastic | Pitcher capacity: 10 cups | Filter lifespan: 120 gallons (about six months) | Filter replacement cost: $35 | Dishwasher safe: No Best for: Skip if: Brita pitchers have been around for decades, and the Tahoe is popular for good reason—it does exactly what most people want from a water filter pitcher without costing a ton. This model's filter removes common impurities that impact flavor, like chlorine, and contaminants like lead and even trace pharmaceuticals (certified by NSF standards 42, 53 and 401). But the best part is how long these filters last: about 120 gallons, or roughly six months. That means you'll only swap the filter about twice a year, making upkeep easier and more affordable. A built-in LED indicator turns red when it's time for that replacement, so you won't have to wonder when to swap it out. The pitcher itself holds 10 cups of water, which is great for families or anyone who doesn't want to refill it multiple times a day, and its flip-top lid stays put when pouring so you won't spill water everywhere. Just keep in mind, this Brita model isn't exactly compact; you'll need a decent amount of fridge space to accommodate its size, and it likely won't fit in the door. It also doesn't significantly reduce total dissolved solids, so if your water tastes unusually metallic or mineral-heavy, you might want something like the ZeroWater pitcher instead. Certifications: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 | Pitcher material: BPA-free plastic | Pitcher capacity: 8 cups | Filter lifespan: 60 gallons | Filter replacement cost: $25 (Essential), $33 (Advanced) | Dishwasher safe: Yes (except filter and PureVis wand) Best for: Skip if: At more than four times the price of most other pitchers on our list, the Larq Pitcher PureVis is undeniably pricey—but I've personally used it regularly for two years now in an area of New Jersey known for questionable tap water, and it's clear why it's worth the investment. The difference is in Larq's two-step purification process: It pairs a traditional carbon-based filter with UV-C technology that neutralizes bacteria and prevents mold growth inside the pitcher itself, which is something standard filter pitchers can't do. That means the pitcher stays cleaner longer, and the water tastes noticeably fresher than what you'd typically get from a basic filter. The Larq pitcher has two filter options, depending on your needs. The "Advanced" option gets rid of tougher contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, microplastics and PFAS, while the slightly cheaper "Essential" filter covers the basics like chlorine and lead. You can track everything through a companion app that tells you exactly how much water your household has filtered, when it's time to replace the filter and even how much plastic waste you've avoided. The pitcher itself feels sturdy and well-made, with a comfortable grip and a manageable size, even when full. It also has a convenient refill design that lets you fill it one-handed, because the lid automatically drops down when you push it under the faucet. Note: Because of this design, the outside of the lid, which could collect dust or dirt, may come into contact with the filtered water. It's also important to consider that because the filtration process is more thorough and includes UV purification, filling the reservoir takes longer than with simpler pitchers—so if speed matters, this might not be your best option. Certifications: Meets EU Standard EN 17093:2018 | Pitcher material: Glass, stainless steel | Pitcher capacity: 10 cups (filters 5 cups at a time) | Filter lifespan: 32 gallons (about 8 weeks) | Filter replacement cost: Pure granules, $25 (three-pack); Enriched granules, $30 (three-pack) | Dishwasher safe: Yes (except filter granules) Best for: Skip if: Most water pitchers are more practical than pretty, but the Aarke Purifier is an exception you'd happily leave out when guests are over. Made from glass with stainless steel components, it immediately looks sophisticated and intentional on your counter or table. And it's not just attractive: it filters quickly, processing five cups of water in about three minutes. Instead of disposable plastic cartridges, Aarke uses refillable granules made from activated carbon and ion-exchange resin. Choose from two options: Pure granules reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and limescale, while Enriched granules offer all of that plus magnesium and increased pH for mineral-rich alkaline water. The filtration meets EU standards rather than NSF certifications, so if you're specifically concerned about PFAS removal, this might not be your ideal choice. But for most everyday drinking needs, both granule types noticeably improve taste and water quality. And because you're not tossing plastic cartridges into the landfill, it cuts down on unnecessary waste. All parts (except the granules) are dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is simple. While the glass looks great, keep in mind that you'll need to handle it a bit more carefully than plastic. The pitcher does include a removable silicone bumper for extra protection, which helps protect it during everyday handling. Certifications: NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 | Pitcher material: BPA-free plastic | Pitcher capacity: 7 cups | Filter lifespan: 40 gallons (about 2 months) | Filter replacement cost: $23 (Pur Plus filter, 3-pack) | Dishwasher safe: Yes (remove filter indicator first) Best for: Skip if: If your fridge shelves are always crowded or your kitchen is short on space, Pur's slim pitcher, which is less than five inches wide, makes perfect sense. It's especially useful for apartment dwellers or anyone working with limited fridge space, because it fits easily in the door without taking up too much room. It might not hold as much water as larger pitchers, but that's by design: it's compact enough to slide right in wherever there's a narrow gap. Beyond its slim footprint, the Pur Plus pitcher filters out the major contaminants you'd expect, like chlorine and lead, and goes further by removing microplastics and certain pharmaceuticals. You'll have to wait a bit longer for it to filter compared to some other models (it's not the quickest), but if you fill it ahead of time and store it cold, it's less of an issue. There's also an LED indicator on the lid that shows when it's time to change filters, which typically last around two months. The pitcher is dishwasher-safe once you remove the LED filter indicator and the simple design means fewer spots for residue to build up, so hand-washing is easy, too. The Forbes Vetted team has spent years researching, evaluating and recommending home and kitchen products that make everyday life simpler, healthier and more comfortable. Many of these products—including various kitchen appliances, home improvement tools and household essentials—have been personally tested by our editors for months or even years. To find the best water filter pitchers, we considered pitchers we've personally used in our own kitchens, carefully researched what makes each one different and sourced advice from trusted water-filtration experts. All water filter pitchers do essentially the same thing: they clean tap water using a filter cartridge or special filtration media. But there's a big difference between basic pitchers that mostly improve taste and odor, and more advanced models capable of removing health-related contaminants. To choose the best water filter pitcher for your home, consider what impurities you're most concerned about, how much water you typically drink each day and how convenient you want the pitcher to be. No single pitcher will filter out every possible contaminant. 'It's important to understand exactly what's in your water before buying a filtration system,' says Shannon Fitzgerald, Pharm.D., a toxicologist and environmental specialist. She points out that home filtration can further improve water that's already been treated by municipal plants, eliminating lingering contaminants, microbes or unwanted sediment. Common filtration methods include activated carbon filters (which trap chlorine and organic contaminants), ion exchange filters (effective at reducing heavy metals like lead) and ultraviolet (UV) systems (which sterilize bacteria). Postmus emphasizes that pitcher filters can significantly reduce health-related impurities—if they're certified for that purpose. He recommends always checking product labels for NSF certifications, which indicate independent testing. For example, NSF/ANSI 42 relates to chlorine and taste issues, while NSF/ANSI 53 covers health-related contaminants such as lead, VOCs and PFAS. NSF/ANSI 401 certification reduces emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals and microplastics. If you're concerned about lead specifically, look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction. The ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour pitcher, our top pick overall, meets this standard. For reduction of PFAS chemicals, again choose filters specifically certified for NSF/ANSI 53 to target those contaminants. The Larq Pitcher PureVis, which we love for its more advanced filtration capabilities, holds this certification. But keep in mind that not every pitcher filter captures microplastics equally well. According to Postmus, some smaller microplastic particles may require more specialized under-sink filtration systems. The ideal pitcher capacity depends on your household size and how often you want to refill it. If you're tight on refrigerator space, look for compact designs, like our slim pick, the Pur Plus 7-Cup Pitcher. Larger households or heavy water drinkers might prefer something bigger, even if it means sacrificing fridge space. Also consider how easy the pitcher is to refill and pour: comfortable handles, secure lids and smooth spouts make everyday tasks like filling your water bottle simpler. Pitcher filters need regular replacement to maintain their effectiveness. Filter lifespan is typically measured in gallons, months, or both. Brita's Elite filters, featured in our Tahoe pitcher pick, last around six months or 120 gallons, which means fewer filter changes throughout the year. Some highly effective filters, like those from ZeroWater, may need replacing more often (about every 20–40 gallons), especially if your tap water contains a higher concentration of contaminants. Many pitchers feature indicator lights or digital trackers to alert you when it's time to replace the filter. Don't ignore these indicators. According to Postmus, delaying replacement significantly decreases a filter's effectiveness, which means your water won't be as clean.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kumulus Water raises $3.5mln to redefine clean water access with off-grid tech in MENA and Europe
MENA – Kumulus Water, the WaterTech startup transforming air into clean drinking water, has successfully raised $3.5 million in seed funding. The round was led by Bpifrance via France 2030 SGPI and the Île-de-France Region, and included participation from other international regional and investors, such as Plus VC, MENA's most active VC, Khalys Venture, Flat6Labs, Europe's leading bottled water group Spadel, and several family offices and founders from Europe and North Africa. This strategic investment marks a major step in Kumulus' mission to provide decentralized, sustainable drinking water in regions facing water scarcity or lacking reliable infrastructure. Founded in 2021 by Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid, Kumulus designs and manufactures atmospheric water generators that extract safe drinking water from air humidity, without requiring any existing water or electricity infrastructure. The company's systems are currently in use in schools, hotels, and remote communities across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. 'We're deeply grateful to our existing and new investors for their trust and continued support,' said Iheb Triki, CEO and Co-founder of Kumulus Water. 'Their involvement is a strong vote of confidence in our technology and our vision. At Kumulus, we believe access to clean drinking water should not depend on existing infrastructure. With this funding, we're taking a major step toward making clean water accessible, sustainable, and decentralized—especially for the communities that need it most.' With this new funding, Kumulus will launch the Kumulus Boks, a new line of industrial-grade, cutting-edge Atmospheric Water Generators (AWG), that provide clean drinking water directly from air humidity, while scaling operations in Tunisia, France, Spain and preparing market entry into Saudi Arabia. Commenting on the fundraising announcement, Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner at +VC said: 'Kumulus is building a scalable, climate-resilient solution to one of the most critical regional and global challenges-access to clean drinking water. At +VC, we invest in founders who are not only mission-driven, solving real-world problems but also executing with commercially scalable solutions. Kumulus fits that profile and is well-positioned for both regional and global growth. We're excited to support their journey as they scale meaningful impact, making them stand out in the climate-tech space.' 'We believe the world needs complementary solutions to address the growing challenge of drinking water scarcity,' added Clément Yvorra, Global Business Development Manager at Spadel. 'What convinced us is Kumulus' ability to produce water locally, without packaging or transportation, offering a truly sustainable alternative.' 'This funding allows us to scale not just production, but impact,' said Mohamed Ali Abid, Co-founder and CTO of Kumulus Water. 'We have spent the past few years refining a technology that can operate reliably in some of the harshest and most water-stressed environments. Now, we are ready to deploy it at scale and bring truly off-grid, sustainable water access to more communities across the region and beyond.' As climate change intensifies and water scarcity deepens, Kumulus offers a resilient, infrastructure-free solution that delivers safe drinking water to even the most remote and arid regions, building not just machines, but long-term climate resilience and empowered communities. Kumulus Water is redefining how clean water is delivered—turning air into drinking water without infrastructure, plastic waste, or grid dependency. By deploying off-grid atmospheric water generators, Kumulus provides a sustainable, decentralized solution for communities facing limited or unreliable access to clean water. About Kumulus Water Kumulus Water is a Paris-based climate-tech startup building atmospheric water generators (AWGs) that transform air into safe, clean drinking water. Designed to operate off-grid and without infrastructure, Kumulus machines are already serving schools, hotels, and communities across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. For press inquiries, please contact: Neena Punnen neena@ OR For press inquiries, partnership opportunities, please contact: contact@
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Rep. Lauren Boebert seeking $5m in federal funds to remove ‘toxic black sludge' from drinking water in tiny Colorado community
Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert visited a small community in Morgan County, in the eastern part of her state, promising to address a long-standing issue that has left locals with 'toxic black sludge' in place of clean drinking water. Boebert this week toured the Prairie View Ranch Water District, which lies 50 miles north of Denver, and told the residents: 'This is something that certainly needs to be addressed. I'm sorry it's been ignored for two decades. 'This is something that should upset and appall every single Coloradan.' To remedy the situation, she has pledged to ask the House Appropriations Committee for a $5 million grant to help overhaul the local water supply. Her request will be put before the committee later this month and, if it is approved, will then likely be folded into a larger appropriations bill that would have to pass through the House of Representatives and Senate before reaching President Donald Trump 's desk for signing off. Boebert's office believes that could happen before the end of September, according to CBS News. Boebert has been notable in recent months over her outspoken support for Trump and Elon Musk 's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has slashed federal budgets in a bid to reduce 'waste' expenditure and fraud. The Independent has reached out to Boebert's office for further comment. The water crisis in eastern Colorado has been in the making for almost 20 years, with the area's 150 residents saying they have been repeatedly let down by the people elected to protect them and left with houses that are worthless without reliable water. CBS reports that the Morgan County Board of County Commissioners allowed the district to be run as a for-profit private company for 16 years, a period during which the Colorado Division of Housing allegedly failed to stop unscrupulous developers from using an unregistered installer, using false credentials and faked signatures, to assemble houses and infrastructure on the cheap. The network adds that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Water Quality Control Division failed to act for a decade after learning that the homes had been erected without valid state approval or proper regulatory oversight, resulting in contaminated water and widespread discontent. 'We have systems. We have policies. We have regulations that should never allow this, and it went by blind eyes and deaf ears,' resident Sam Belmonte told CBS. He challenged Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a gubernatorial candidate, to follow Boebert's example and said he found her visit 'invigorating' after years of feeling ignored. 'It gave us some sense of hope that Congresswoman Boebert actually came,' Belmonte said. The representative left the site with a sample of the water, which she said she hopes to use to present to the House committee to persuade its members to hand over the funding. 'I'm happy to be here doing this but the state of Colorado should have stepped in years and years ago,' she said. 'Every Coloradan, every American, every person deserves clean drinking water. This is unacceptable.'
E&E News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- E&E News
Browner stepping down as LCV board chair
Former EPA Administrator Carol Browner is stepping down as chair of the League of Conservation Voters. The environmental political advocacy group said Tuesday it was naming Roger Kim, a former philanthropic executive, as her replacement. Browner chaired LCV's board since 2014. She led EPA under President Bill Clinton and was President Barack Obama's top climate change adviser from 2009 to 2011. Advertisement 'As an organization and as a movement we have made significant strides in working to end environmental injustice, clean up our air and water, and tackle the climate crisis,' she said. 'The LCV team is among the best in the business in advancing strong and durable environmental policy and electing the leaders we need to meet the moment.'
