Self-Filling Water Bottle Turns Humidity Into Drinkable Water

For those of us who are constantly on the go, having a full water bottle is almost a necessity. It goes with us everywhere and when we realize we don’t have it, we quickly become even more thirsty than we were. Staying hydrated is important. Even more so for those who live in dry, humid climates.

So, what can you do if you find yourself without H20? Invest in one of these self-filling water bottles and you might not have to worry about that ever again.

Invented by Kristof Retezar, a designer based out of Vienna, this device takes humidity from the air and condenses it into drinkable water. The water bottle, which has been named Fontus, can also be attached to a bicycle, allowing cyclists to generate water during rides that span tens and hundreds of miles.

Utilizing basic principles of condensation, Fontus uses a condensator, which operates much like that of a cooler. This condensator is attached to several different hydrophobic surfaces that repel water. When air is taken in, the hydrophobic surfaces get cold, which causes condensation, and subsequently the water drip into the bottle.

Retezar says the bottle can be used practically anywhere as “you always have a certain percentage of humidity in the air… Even in the desert.”

In what are considered “really good conditions,” Fontus is capable of producing 0.5 liters of water in one hour, in temperatures between 86 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with around 80 to 90 percent humidity. The bottle’s prototype currently features a filter as well, so as to keep out dust and bugs.

At the moment, Retezar’s design relies on a natural airstream to take in humid air, which is why having it attached to a bicycle makes so much sense. He is currently working on creating the stand-alone version that will feature an inverted ventilator that takes in air into the system.

Retezar has gained much attention for his invention, even receiving funding from the Austrian government to help cover the technical development phase of production. He hopes to keep the retail price of Fontus under $100 and plans on having commercially available products ready in 9 to 10 months if all goes well.