February 2009 eNewsletter

Already a hugely popular international tourist destination, China is continuing to build its exposure, including being host to the 2010 Expo in Shanghai where 70 million visitors are expected. There has also been a dramatic increase in domestic tourism, as China’s new middle class has, for the first time, disposable income and leisure time. Combined with new cars and a network of newly minted roads, these road trippers need accommodation at hotels and motels along the way. To meet this substantial demand, China’s Ministry of Commerce recently disclosed a plan to build ten thousand green hotels by 2012.

Currently, due to a lack of trust and unreliable water sources, boiling your own drinking water in hotels is the norm as is rinsing cups and plates before eating at local restaurants. Carbon filters are typically positioned beside ice machines, so while they may improve taste and odor, health department inspectors are demanding higher performance standards and technology that will provide safe potable water.

To meet the more stringent standards demanded by the State Environmental Protection Administration, water must be treated for both its chemistry and microbiology. Ultra violet purification can be very effective for the latter, but as China’s water is typically very hard, this can lead to the fouling of conventional UV systems, which has led to fines for hotels that were unable to tell the units were not functioning properly. UV Pure’s patented Crossfire Technology with unique self-cleaning features means that it’s capable of operating effectively in water ten times harder than other conventional UV systems without the expense and complication of water softeners. The units’ smart technology, efficient use of space and ease of installation have also been key selling features.

	The Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s recent industry forum showcased advanced water treatment technology including UV Pure’s Hallett 30. Expand The Walkerton Clean Water Centre provides training and education about drinking water quality and operation of drinking water systems to operators, operating authorities and owners of Ontario's drinking water systems, especially those serving small and remote communities. In their facility they offer state-of-the-art technology demonstrations for course participants, researchers and the public. A UV Pure Hallett 30 unit has been installed there, and was recently unveiled at an Education and Industry Forum event. UV Pure is proud to participate and contribute to the Centre and its demonstration of the latest innovations in water treatment. According to Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s CEO Dr. Saad Jasim, the centre is focused on continuous improvement and helping water system operators, owners and operating authorities evaluate their choices for water treatment systems. He believes that no single technology can solve all our water challenges, but rather a combination of processes. As part of this series of processes, ultraviolet light can play an important role. The Center is excited to be launching a number of new programs this fall, including one on Energy Management and another on lessons learned from outbreaks. Over three years, the Centre has attracted over 1,400 students and visitors to their state-of-the-art Technology Demonstration Facility, showcasing all types of water treatment systems. Dr. Jasim is pleased that these individuals “are aware of the newest and best technology, and are taking that knowledge out to the world”. The recent Annual Report by Ontario's Chief Drinking Water Inspector shows that water quality in Ontario has reached 99.85 percent of municipal residential drinking water tests meeting Ontario’s rigorous drinking water quality standards. At UV Pure, we’re pleased to be playing our small part in this success with our NSF 55 Class A certified Hallett Product line. For more information on the Walkerton Clean Water Centre, please visit www.wcwc.ca.
	UV Pure signs new distribution agreement with Omazo Ventures to reach huge market in China. Expand China’s economic resurgence and subsequent infrastructure investments have led many Canadian clean tech companies to look for ways to take advantage of this transformation. Omazo Ventures of Toronto through BX Jishu distribution company is focused on bringing leading water technology to the rapidly expanding hospitality sector. A UV Pure water purification system has recently been commissioned in a Chinese-owned chain of 1,000 hotels. Already a hugely popular international tourist destination, China is continuing to build its exposure, including being host to the 2010 Expo in Shanghai where 70 million visitors are expected. There has also been a dramatic increase in domestic tourism, as China’s new middle class has, for the first time, disposable income and leisure time. Combined with new cars and a network of newly minted roads, these road trippers need accommodation at hotels and motels along the way. To meet this substantial demand, China’s Ministry of Commerce recently disclosed a plan to build ten thousand green hotels by 2012. Currently, due to a lack of trust and unreliable water sources, boiling your own drinking water in hotels is the norm as is rinsing cups and plates before eating at local restaurants. Carbon filters are typically positioned beside ice machines, so while they may improve taste and odor, health department inspectors are demanding higher performance standards and technology that will provide safe potable water. To meet the more stringent standards demanded by the State Environmental Protection Administration, water must be treated for both its chemistry and microbiology. Ultra violet purification can be very effective for the latter, but as China’s water is typically very hard, this can lead to the fouling of conventional UV systems, which has led to fines for hotels that were unable to tell the units were not functioning properly. UV Pure’s patented Crossfire Technology with unique self-cleaning features means that it’s capable of operating effectively in water ten times harder than other conventional UV systems without the expense and complication of water softeners. The units’ smart technology, efficient use of space and ease of installation have also been key selling features.
	Satisfied customer considers UV Pure a key component for on site waste water treatment. Dave Bourassa is a Waste Operator Technician with PTI Group based in Edmonton, Alberta, who works with rig and construction camps to treat waste water on site. According to Dave, "The UV Pure Hallett 30 is the best system we've had so far. Once our waste water is treated to allow the ultraviolet light to penetrate the effluent, the Hallett kills the coliforms which can be deadly. The units are easy to clean and maintain, and changing the bulb is straightforward. I've found with other systems, the crystal can break as often as every two weeks or month. We haven't had any problems with our UV Pure units in four years. Using UV Pure units as part of our water treatment process means that our customers save money and hassle by not having to haul waste water away. I'm happy with UV Pure as it works really well for us."
	And you thought your cup of coffee took only a cup of water to make… According to a study conducted by two Dutch researchers for Water Footprint Network, it takes about 1100 drops of water to produce one drop of coffee. The site has lots of interesting information about the world’s water footprint, including case studies and methodologies linking global consumption to local water resources, and a map of the average global water footprint. For more, check out www.waterfootprint.org