Using SaWa is easy. Simply fill your SaWa with water from your usual water source and place it on a flat surface with the clear side facing the sun. Leave it in direct sunlight for 4 hours, and once purified, keep the water stored in your SaWa for dispensing.
If your SaWa has an indicator, press the button when placing the SaWa outside in the sun. The indicator will begin blinking, which means the purification process has started and the device is actively measuring exposure to UV light. Once the required amount of sunlight has been reached, the indicator will show a smiley and the water is safe to drink.
You can use water from your general water source with your SaWa, whether that is a well, a lake, or another local source. Saline (salty) water can also be used; however, please note that SaWa does not remove salt or chemicals from the water.
To avoid recontamination after purification, we always recommend storing the purified water directly in your SaWa. It is a two-in-one solution designed for both purification and easy dispensing. You can also hang it using the sturdy handle. Once purified, the water will remain safe to drink in the SaWa for at least three days. After that, please repeat the purification process.
The SaWa Flex has a recommended lifespan of 3 years under normal use and proper care. This is a guideline—your SaWa Flex can continue to be used as long as it is not punctured or leaking. The product has been thoroughly tested and remains effective unless it is physically damaged.
We do not recommend repairing a damaged SaWa Flex yourself, as glue, tape, or other fixes may interfere with the material’s function and we cannot guarantee proper performance afterward.
SaWa is based on the SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection) method, a WHO-endorsed technology that uses ultraviolet radiation (UV-A) and heat from sunlight to inactivate harmful microorganisms. When water inside the SaWa Flex is exposed to direct sunlight, UV-A wavelengths (320–400 nm) penetrate through the transparent layer and damage the DNA and cellular structures of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, preventing them from reproducing. The combined effect of UV exposure, oxidative stress, and temperature increase accelerates pathogen inactivation, resulting in more than 99.99% reduction in harmful microorganisms when used as instructed.
SaWa Flex is manufactured from LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) combined with a set of carefully selected additives that enhance performance and durability. The material blend includes UV stabilizers, clarifying agents, and reflective components designed specifically for SODIS efficiency. The transparent front panel maximizes UV penetration into the water, while the back panel increases heat absorption to support faster disinfection. All materials are food-grade, non-toxic, and have undergone extensive migration testing. This ensures that no substances leach into the water—even after repeated exposure to intense sunlight—and that the product fully complies with international food-contact safety standards.
SaWa purifies water by inactivating microorganisms, but it does not remove salt, minerals, heavy metals, or chemical contaminants. Saline or brackish water will remain salty after treatment. However, this is no different for common alternatives such as boiling, chlorination, or common water filters—none of these methods remove dissolved salts or chemicals. Desalination requires processes that physically separate salt from water, such as distillation or reverse osmosis, which involve specialized equipment. Chemical contaminants likewise require advanced purification technologies. SaWa is designed specifically for microbiological purification and not for desalination or chemical removal.
SaWa uses only sunlight to purify water, replacing the need to boil water with firewood or charcoal. This dramatically reduces household emissions and helps protect local forests. Over its typical three-year lifespan, a single SaWa prevents far more CO₂ emissions through its use than are generated in its production, resulting in a strongly positive environmental balance. Unlike chemical treatments or filtration systems, SaWa requires no ongoing supply chain, ongoing packaging waste or replacement parts, and avoids the introduction of chemical contaminants into the environment. This means SaWa provides safe drinking water with one of the smallest environmental footprints available—delivering long-term sustainability without recurring environmental costs.
Shipping arrangements are coordinated as part of the sales process. We are able to ship globally, although delivery timelines, import requirements, and associated costs may vary by destination. If you have already placed an order and have questions regarding an ongoing shipment, please contact us directly and we will be glad to assist.
4Life Solutions is a Danish–Kenyan social impact company dedicated to making safe drinking water accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone. Founded in Denmark and operating with a strong presence in East Africa through our Kenyan subsidiary, we combine Scandinavian product design with deep local engagement to deliver practical solutions that work in real-world conditions.
Our flagship innovation, SaWa, uses solar energy to purify water without chemicals, electricity, or fuel—offering a simple, climate-friendly alternative to boiling. We work closely with NGOs, humanitarian agencies, governments, and distributors to reach underserved communities, refugee settlements, and last-mile regions across East Africa and beyond.
Our mission is clear: to improve health, reduce environmental impact, and empower households, schools, and communities through safe water access and reliable, user-friendly technology.
Get in touch with our team!
Get in touch with our team!
Get in touch with our team!
Stay informed with the latest updates on our mission to deliver safe drinking water to the last mile.
UN Global Compact Member.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
SDG 6 Contributor
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