A solar-powered water purification system has been chosen by the EU's Commissioner of the Environment for an International Cooperation Award, saying it has 'massive potential' to battle water-borne diseases, particularly in remote areas in the developing world.

Called Naiade, the units are manufactured by the Dutch firm Nedap and was developed by a 62-year-old specialist in ultraviolet technology, Dick van Dijk. Prototypes are being used and tested in Ghana, Brazil, Turkey and India. An Indian company is presently identifying suitable sites for setting up the Naiade system.

Contaminated water from a river or pond is poured into the Naiade. After passing through two filters, the water is run through the UV unit powered by the solar panel that can produce enough pure water per day to satisfy the average drinking-water needs of a community of 250-300 with 2,500 litres a day. The unit costs just under $4,000 and if 80 percent of the price is borne by NGOs, the local community can pay for the rest with a soft credit program. "The locals must have a stake in the system, that is better for everyone," says Van Dijk. www.nedapnaiade.com