Mazda's liquid asset filters rainwater for drinking

Regular readers will recognize the Mazda Kiyora concept car from our 2008 Paris Motor Show gallery. What has since come to light is that the aquatic-looking Kiyora has a feature that could well prove useful in the “Blade Runner”-type world our society might turn out to be. It can recycle rainwater and make it fit for human consumption.

The car’s roof has water channels that collect rain and send it through an activated carbon filter. This removes all waterborne pathogens and other pollutants right down to the molecular level. Bacteria and viruses are intercepted without the use of chemicals. Then the pure, clean drinking water pours into a vessel specially designed for Mazda by Lifesaver Systems, which calls it the Bottle Citi. This receptacle is positioned between the front seats, so any occupant can get to it easily.

A first reaction might be that this is all very well in someplace such as Seattle, but not so useful in the parched environs of Southern California. But with observers who comment on such things predicting that wars in the future will be fought over precious liquids in dwindling supply -- call them oil and water -- and considering the Kiyora’s low-consumption, low-emissions diesel engine and water feature, Mazda really might be on to something here.

-- Colin Ryan

Photos: Mazda

Comments

[Aaron]

What happens if while driving, you splash in a puddle full of road residue and it washes into your filter system? Hmmm. Taste like Spring Street!

[Jose C.]

Sweet! After I wash my new water filtering Mazda, I'll have a nice glass of water filled w/ suds waiting for me.

[vochoa0371]

Darn it, I can't wash my car and drink soapy water. Waste of a car. Just put out a bucket to catch rain water and use your own filtration system.

[Major Variola (ret)]

Even better, cyanide dust on
the roof. You won't filter out
salts like this with charcoal.