ATM Technology Gets Applied to Kenyan Water Access It comes to no surprise that water is a scarce, precious and too-often polluted resource for people living in many developing nations, and that it is becoming scarcer as environmental and political forces reduce the supply of fresh water worldwide. In Kenya Mathare slum, for example, residents must purchase frequently dirty water from vendors who charge exorbitant prices for access. Grundfos, a Danish company, has rolled out a pilot project in Mathare and other Kenyan villages that stands to change the situation for the better.

People who participate will receive a smart card, which they will swipe at a water dispenser just like a Westerner getting cash from an ATM machine. The kiosk will charge the owner account and dispense the requested amount of water.

Current water dispensers are charging one Kenyan Shilling (about half a cent U.S.) for 20 liters of fresh water, which is significantly cheaper than charged by local vendors: up to 50 shillings per 20 liters in some areas.

Because of the advanced tech inherent with the water dispenser machines, the water is not only cheaper, but safer to drink.

Up until now, these kiosks have been tested only in rural parts of Kenya. This is Grundfos™ first foray into a more urban environment. So far, they have not reported whether urban problems like theft and overcrowding have negatively impacted the project.

Grundfos does most of its work as a water engineering company, and does not share many specifics about their plans for this project in the future. However, announcements made by some of their local partners suggest they will be expanding the kiosks into Nairobi in the near future. The BBC is covering the kiosks with interest, and it the most likely source of breaking news for those interested in following the project.