MILWAUKEE, WI. Aug. 20, 2015 – The Water Council today announced the official launch of Water POD by Stonehouse Water Technologies, the first participant in The Council’s Pilot Program funded through a Wells Fargo Clean Technology and Innovation grant received earlier this year. The Pilot Program supports the progression of new water technologies from the lab to demonstration sites for practical application.
Water POD is a compact water filtration system that solves the problem of a lack of healthy, clean drinking water in underserved and distressed populations where water contamination is the norm. Since receiving Pilot Program funding through The Water Council, the Water POD has grown from a prototype to a polished working model currently treating water from the Menomonee River and Inner Harbor.
“The Pilot Program has provided us the necessary resources and network to help us launch Water POD,” said Hensley Foster, president of Stonehouse Water Technologies. “We could not have done this without the support of Wells Fargo and The Water Council.”
One Water POD can provide potable water for up to 1,000 people, and the system is scalable, meaning more units can be added to serve larger populations.
“The Pilot Program is very much aligned with Wells Fargo’s initiative to champion innovation and clean technology solutions,” said Sang Kim, regional president of Wells Fargo. “We are thrilled to be a part of the Water POD project and we are excited about the possibilities it can provide for many communities in need.”
The Pilot Program acts as a catalyst for companies who are developing new products that make true social and environmental impacts with a focus on water quality and quantity. Selected projects must address integrated water solutions through innovation, application, and demonstration while maintaining a cost-efficient, scalable, and deployable model.
“The Water Council is honored to have the support of Wells Fargo. The funding provided through their Clean Technology and Innovation grant has kick-started a truly innovative program that is already producing results,” said Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of The Water Council.
In January 2015, Wells Fargo awarded The Water Council a $100,000 Clean Technology and Innovation grant to help support technology advancements for a clean energy future. The funding provided by Wells Fargo helped The Water Council launch the Pilot Program. Future funding from local organizations has been secured to expand the program.
About Wells Fargo
Since 2005, Wells Fargo has provided more than $52 billion in environmental financing to environmentally beneficial businesses. This includes $3.8 billion in financing for affordable housing and commercial properties in low-to-moderate-income communities. Wells Fargo has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 24 percent and increased energy efficiency by 24 percent, water efficiency by 38 percent, and waste diversion by 62 percent since 2012. The company also has made strategic environmental grants totaling $40 million through two environmental grant programs focusing on community-based environmental projects and clean technology innovation and advancement. Last year, Wells Fargo launched its Innovation Incubator (IN2) to support clean technology start-ups with commercial buildings application. Wells Fargo has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Corporate Climate Leadership, the Carbon Disclosure Project and the U.S. Green Building Council.
About The Water Council
The Water Council, the only organization of its kind in the United States, was established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders. The non-profit organization, consisting of more than 160 members, is linking together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs and, most importantly, some of the nation’s brightest and most energetic water professionals. The Water Council is capturing the attention of the world and transforming the Milwaukee region into a World Water Hub for freshwater research, economic development and education. For more information, visit www.thewatercouncil.com or contact us by phone at 414.988.8750.
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