11 litres of water. A toilet is the single biggest user of indoor water, consuming between 15 and 22 bottles of water to flush every single time it is used. A family of four will use 176 litres of water when each uses the toilet 4 times per day. The same water we use to drink, wash and cook.
In an era where sustainable living has become imperative, the staggering statistic that washrooms account for nearly 90% of water consumption in households, businesses, and commercial buildings is alarming. Toilets, in particular, contribute to nearly half of this immense water wastage. This undeniable reality underscores the urgency of addressing our “problem number two.”
As we confront the escalating water crisis, innovative solutions like Propelair’s water-saving toilets are not just desirable but essential. These revolutionary systems promise to transform our approach to water conservation, offering a beacon of hope in our quest for a more sustainable future.
Who the heck is Propelair!?
Nearly three decades ago, the vision of a low-flush, water-saving toilet was conceived. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that Propelair sold their first toilet. They went on to recieve their first real capital injection in 2017, with Earth Capital being their biggest investor. In 2019, the company underwent a management restructuring that really turned things around. Three years on from this, Propelair experienced their best ever financial year, doubling theirs sales and pulling in more funding than ever before. 2023 was no less impressive, as sales were projected to far exceed those in 2022.
What does this have to do with Africa?
Africa’s enduring struggle with water sanitation and access to clean water is a poignant chapter in the continent’s narrative. For millions of Africans, the daily quest for safe water is a profound challenge, with far-reaching consequences on health, education, and economic stability. Across the continent, inadequate water infrastructure and the devastating impacts of climate change have compounded this crisis, leaving communities vulnerable and often desperate.
The integration of pioneering innovations like Propelair’s water-saving toilets is not just a technological advancement but a lifeline for many. These systems, which dramatically reduce water consumption by up to 85%, have the potential to revolutionize water use across Africa. By significantly cutting down on water wastage, they offer a sustainable solution that aligns with the continent’s pressing needs.
Propelair’s technology addresses one of the most critical aspects of water conservation—sanitation. In regions where water scarcity dictates every aspect of life, such innovations can transform the quality of life. They can ensure that precious water resources are used more efficiently, paving the way for better health outcomes and economic opportunities.
As we stand at the crossroads of innovation and necessity, the importance of integrating such solutions across Africa cannot be overstated. Propelair’s toilets represent more than a technological leap; they embody hope and a tangible step towards a future where access to clean water and proper sanitation is not a luxury but a universal right. This journey towards sustainable development and improved living standards for all Africans is not just commendable—it is essential. The world must recognize and support these innovations, for they hold the key to unlocking a healthier, more prosperous Africa.
Integrating renewable solutions into Africa’s infrastructure while we are still able to, is crucial to ensuring a better future for the continent. What we build today should not have to be torn down tomorrow in order for our descendants to survive.
So how does it work?
Last Friday, we sat down with Propelair Commercial Director for the region, Caren Botha who was kind enough to give us an insight into how the toilet works, the benefits and the possibilities she sees for its future.
Botha joined Propelair as the regional sales manager in 2021, 3 years after they’d expanded into South Africa, preceeding one of their best financial years. A key signifier of her competence and value to the company. She was then promoted to General Manager for South Africa before ultimately becoming their Commercial Director.
So how DOES the toilet work?
Propelair® has a two-section cistern; one for air and one for water.
Before flushing, the lid is closed to form a seal, in order to channel the air.When the lid is closed the flush is activated, water enters the pan to wash it, followed by air from the unique patented pump.
The air cannot escape due to the sealed lid. This pushes out the entire contents of the pan to give a powerful, reliable flush.The remaining water fills the water trap.The flush is completed in 2 seconds with the toilet ready to be re-flushed in 20-30 seconds. (Subject to water supply pressure)
Not only does this toilet save copius amounts of water, it is also far more sanitary than any other toilet on the market right now, eradicating nearly 95% of all pathogenic germs in one flush.
“Sanitation is an important thing, especially for people’s dignity.” said Caren Botha.
In addition to the mechanical elimination of germs via the high pressure flush, the device also has an anti-bacterial material infused into the material of the lid handle, upon which germs are unable to survive on.
Botha says it was important to the team to give assuarances to consumers that their sanitation will be protected when they use their product.
“The handle is the cleanest thing you will touch in the whole bathroom.” A reassurance that it is safe to hold it, as the lid needs to be closed in order for it to flush.
Propeling Africa to a more Sustainable future
In the relentless quest for sustainability, Propelair’s groundbreaking technology stands as a beacon of innovation, illuminating the path towards a future where water conservation is not merely a necessity but a global imperative. The profound impact of their water-saving toilets, which slash water usage by an astonishing 85%, cannot be overstated. In a world grappling with the dual crises of water scarcity and climate change, such advancements offer a tangible solution, embodying the very essence of sustainable development.
Africa, a continent that has long battled the harsh realities of water sanitation and access, finds in Propelair’s innovation a lifeline that promises to redefine its water management landscape. The integration of these revolutionary toilets across African nations could herald a new era, where clean water and proper sanitation are accessible to all, significantly enhancing public health and economic stability.
Propelair’s journey, from just a visionary concept nearly three decades ago to the company’s substantial growth post-2017, underscores the transformative power of innovation backed by strategic investment and leadership. Their success story is not just a corporate triumph but a testament to the relentless human spirit that drives progress and change.
As we close this narrative, we recognize that Propelair’s water-saving toilets are more than just technological marvels; they are harbingers of hope. They represent a future where our descendants inherit not just the advancements of today but also the wisdom to live sustainably. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the solutions we implement now will stand the test of time, securing a better, more sustainable world for generations to come.
In the words of Caren Botha, “Sanitation is an important thing, especially for people’s dignity.” Propelair’s commitment to both water conservation and public health epitomizes the intersection of innovation and compassion, paving the way for a future where the dignity of every individual is upheld, and the sanctity of our precious water resources is preserved. As we look towards this promising horizon, let us embrace and support such pioneering solutions, for they hold the keys to a resilient and prosperous future.
The San African 