A self-sustaining water treatment system that operates without grid electricity or solar power has been launched for rural water systems in developing countries. Called the Scotmas Bravo Hydro, the system creates its own power by means of a tiny hydro-electric generator placed within the water pipe itself. Scottish water disinfection specialists, Scotmas Group, has launched the technology this week and will deliver it to 40 villages in Botswana from January 2017. The delivery is part of a wider investment by the Botswanan Government to improve water distribution to rural communities and assist in economic and social development. Due to a range of environmental and social factors including drought, and a population increase in Botswana, sources of safe drinking water have become increasingly scarce. Alistair Cameron, managing director of Scotmas, said: “The need for effective water disinfection in remote areas of developing countries has never been greater, but difficulties include a lack of reliable grid electricity, potential theft of solar panels from remote locations, and the difficult maintenance required for traditional venturi pump systems”. Representatives from the Botswana Water Authority recently visited the company’s headquarters in Kelso, Scotland. [waterworld.com]