How do I partner with 4Life Solutions?
We are always looking for committed partners that can help us expand the 4Life solution to new countries. Please contacts us on sales@4lifesolutions.com or head to our team’s page to speak to a member of staff.
How does a SaWa bag work?
The SaWa bag works by harnessing UVA and UVB rays and heat from the sun. The combination of the three processes kills more than 99,99 % of dangerous bacterial pathogens found in contaminated water.
SaWa’s purification method is based on the 25-year-old Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) method, endorsed by the WHO and UNICEF as a safe way to purify water. The SaWa improves upon this method with a unique design of the product utilizing a plastic formulation that allows for the optimum spectrum of UV light to penetrate the water, where it effectively deactivates the dangerous pathogens.
Is the water filtered?
The water is not filtered. It is purified in the SaWa bag using the SODIS method.
When is the water safe to drink?
The water is safe to drink when it has been exposed to direct sunlight for 4 full hours. Restart the process if it starts to rain or heavy clouds appear before the 4 hours of treatment in full sun are complete.
How long does the SaWa by 4Life last?
Tests show that a SaWa bag can last for up to 1 year and will approximately provide 2000 liters of clean water throughout its lifetime. Take care of the SaWa by avoiding sharp objects and folding.
Which microorganisms can get removed using the SaWa bag?
The SaWa bags has proven to inactivate over 99.99% bacteria, among others fecal coliforms and the pathogenic bacterium enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and over 99.9% viruses. The SODIS method is generally known for removing pathogens of all microbial classes; bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
Does SaWa by 4Life remove chemicals?
No. SaWa bags cannot remove chemical contaminants in water.
Does the SaWa bag emit plastic into the water?
No. The SaWa bag uses EU food-grade plastic standards, which is DEHP-free, BPA-free, and Phthalate-free and has been rigorously tested by various inspection and testing bodies such as SGS to ensure that the plastic does not pose any health risks.
Does the SaWa bag work on all types of water?
SaWa bags can treat visibly clear water. It is not recommended to treat water with more than 30 NTU of turbidity with the SaWa. Turbidity means the cloudiness or dirtiness of the water. For higher turbidites, the water must be filtered before being treated with the SaWa.
Does the SaWa by 4Life method affect taste?
No. The taste is not affected by the treatment process.
Can the SaWa by 4Life be recycled?
Yes! We aim to recycle all SaWas at the end of its use. We have set up local partnerships to develop a circular recycling ecosystem.
Which certificates does SaWa by 4Life have?
The SaWa bag is CE marked and conforms with the provisions of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC under EEA legislation. In addition, The SaWa bag has been verified and authorized by local governments in Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria, where SaWa’s performance efficacy has been tested by government-approved qualified laboratories to meet the performance claims and bacteriological limits in local standards and country specific regulations.
The certificates of analysis can be viewed here.
Can I buy a SaWa bag?
Please send us a message. Head to our Join Us page to speak to our local agents.