University of Engineering and Technology and Mayo Publicity/DraftFCB create a billboard that turns air into water in Peru
The University of Engineering and Technology (UTEC) has joined forces with ad agency Mayo Publicity/DraftFCB to create a billboard that provides drinking water to whoever needs it on the outskirts of Lima, Peru.
The billboard captures moisture in the air and converts it into filtered drinking water and so far, the billboard has produced over 9,000 litres of drinking water – around 96 litres a day – costing just £790 to set up.
Set in Peru’s costal desert Lima receives little or no rainfall each year, air humidity on the other hand often reaches around 98 per cent. UETC’s billboard serves a dual purpose of not only solving a real societal problem but also attracts potential applicants to its engineering programme.
The billboard, located on the Pan-American Highway, consists of an air filter, condenser, carbon filter and cold tank. Water is stored in tanks at the top of the billboard and, once filtered, is released down a pipe connected to a tap.
As well as producing much needed water, applications to UETC have increased 28 per cent since the billboard went up.