Gadgil, Garud Win European Award for Water Purification

The European Patent Office (EPO), in cooperation with the Hungarian EU Council Presidency and the European Commission, has awarded a prize to two scientists for innovation in water purification.

Ashok Gadgil, a scientist at Berkeley Lab, and co-inventor Vikas Garud received awards for their ultraviolet waterworks, an innovative portable water purification device based on UV light.

The UV disinfection device requires only a 40W UV lightbulb to disinfect 1,000l of water per hour using gravity and carefully planned hydraulics.

The lost-cost device was licensed by WaterHealth International and installed in more than ten countries around the world, bringing clean water to more than two million people.

EPO president Benoît Battistelli said the winners have not only contributed to the economic development of their companies and research institutions, but have also helped to create jobs and improve people’s daily lives.