This Indian Company Is Turning Air Into Drinking Water
Amid growing global water scarcity, Akvo, an Indian startup, is redefining how we source drinking water—with machines that extract water from air.
Using Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs), Akvo captures moisture from the atmosphere, filters it, and condenses it into clean, potable water—mimicking the natural process of dew formation.
How It Works
Air is first passed through a triple-layer filtration system to remove dust and impurities. It’s then cooled below the dew point, causing moisture to condense into water droplets. These are collected and filtered multiple times to meet drinking water standards—offering a sustainable alternative to groundwater and bottled water.
Built for Versatility
According to Navkaran Singh Bagga, Founder and CEO of Akvo, the biggest challenge has been optimizing water yield while keeping energy consumption low. Innovations in heat exchange, filtration, and IoT monitoring have made Akvo’s AWGs more efficient and affordable.
While best suited for warm and humid environments, Akvo’s systems are designed to operate even in moderate humidity, making them viable in a wide range of climates.
A Renewable Water Source
Akvo’s AWGs tap into the Earth’s atmosphere—an inexhaustible source holding over 3,100 cubic miles of water vapor. Unlike groundwater depletion or energy-intensive desalination, this approach is low-impact and climate-resilient.
“Atmospheric water generation offers a renewable, decentralized solution for communities facing droughts and water pollution,” says Bagga.