A pilot program in Mapoon has implemented climate-resilient drinking water technology. The council has partnered with Source Global to deliver a resilient, sustainable, and off-grid drinking water solution for locals.

Ten hydropanels were installed behind the new cultural centre to make clean, safe drinking water.

The hydropanels are the first step in a pilot program designed to provide infrastructure-free drinking water in remote locations.

Rather than drawing from the water table, the hydropanels use the energy of the sun to harvest pure water vapour from the air and transform it into high-quality drinking water.

The system requires no outside source of electricity or piped water infrastructure, is resilient in the face of storms, and can create healthy drinking water on site – even in very dry climates. Mapoon mayor Aileen Addo welcomed the new installation.

“It’s another step towards the Mapoon community becoming more sustainable and resilient,” she said last week.

“Our vision for Mapoon is to be one of Queensland’s healthiest, most culturally rich, and sustainable remote regions.

“Our council already has a reputation for implementing innovative and creative solutions for future service delivery. The hydropanel project will help deliver all of those elements for our community”

Pip Schroor, the regional resilience coordinator for the Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance, said the system could address water security issues.

“Many people may not be aware that communities in the Cape and Torres Strait experience water shortages, reduced water quality and water restrictions each dry season,” she said.

“That, coupled with an increasingly variable climate including dry seasons becoming longer and wet seasons becoming more unpredictable, building resilience around water security is crucial for the region.”

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 20 September 2022.