
This post may contain affiliate links for products I recommend. If you click a link and buy something I may receive some compensation. This does not change the price you would pay.
Introduction to Atmospheric Water Generators
The world is facing an increasing water crisis. With the population growing at a rapid pace and climate change impacting natural water resources, finding innovative solutions for accessing clean and safe drinking water is becoming a necessity. Let's dive in!
For some sobering data, take a look at the United States Drought Monitor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's National Drought Mitigation Center's website here (or click the image below). You'll see the most updated drought conditions nationwide. This is a project that is also supported through its partnerships with the USDA (US Department of Agriculture), along with NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
Our discussion on this page does not address what can be done (if anything) about Mother Nature's whims. However, we can discuss what individuals can consider when household water supplies are questionable.
One such solution is the Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG), a revolutionary technology that extracts moisture from the air and converts it into potable water.
Until fairly recently we had not heard much chatter about this technology, but evidently interest is growing (if the approximately 8,100 monthly Google searches for "Atmospheric Water Generator" are any indication).

Amazon is selling a quite a few of these Atmospheric Water Generators lately! Click the image above to see the featured models!
Advances in Atmospheric Water Generator Technology
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) published a post (dated June 8, 2022) about the need for this technology, and share a number of promising developments. And, since that article was published, we've noticed more options hitting the shelves for regular folks like us to consider.
We encourage you to review the ASME's article here. It's an uplifting, optimistic look at a potential solution to a growing global problem!
Given the number of AWG models on Amazon ALONE (and they aren't cheap, as we show you below), we decided to dive in and learn more about the technology. And since interest in this technology is certainly growing, we wanted to see if anyone is offering any options for hardy off-gridders and homesteaders to build their own AWG.
But first, let's look at the overall picture.
How does an Atmospheric Water Generator work?
An Atmospheric Water Generator works by utilizing the basic principles of condensation and dehumidification. It first draws in air from the surrounding environment through a built-in air filter.
The filtered air then passes over a refrigerated coil, where the temperature is lowered to the dew point, causing the moisture in the air to condense.

This condensed water is collected and undergoes a purification process to remove any impurities, resulting in clean and safe drinking water.
AWGs operate using either a compressor-based system or a AWGs operate using either a compressor-based system or a desiccant-based system. Compressor-based AWGs are known for their efficiency and high water production capacity, making them suitable for residential and commercial use. On the other hand, desiccant-based AWGs are often used in low humidity environments as they are capable of extracting water even from extremely dry air.

This link takes you to the part of the Wikipedia page that talks about compressor-based AWGs, which are known for their efficiency and high water production capacity, making them suitable for residential and commercial use. On the other hand, desiccant-based AWGs are often used in low humidity environments as they are capable of extracting water even from extremely dry air.
The General Process of "Turning Air into Water" in Five Steps
The general process by which an atmospheric water generator works can be explained in a few simple steps:
1. Air Intake
The first step in the AWG's operation is the intake of air from the surrounding environment. The device uses a fan to draw in the air, capturing it for further processing.
2. Filtration
Once the air is captured, some generators run the air through a filtration system to remove any impurities such as dust, dirt, or debris. This can be an essential step to ensure that the produced water is clean and safe for consumption.
3. Condensation
After the air is filtered, it enters the condensation chamber where the magic happens. The air is cooled down to a temperature below its dew point, causing the water vapor in the air to condense into liquid form on a surface known as a condenser. The condenser is typically made of metal or another material with excellent thermal conductivity.
4. Collection
Once the water vapor condenses into liquid droplets, it drips down or is collected by the condenser. From there, it is directed into a collection tank or reservoir, ready to be used as drinking water.
5. Purification
Although the water collected from the atmosphere is already clean, most AWGs include an additional purification system to further enhance the water quality. This purification process might involve filtering the water through activated carbon or using UV light to eliminate any remaining bacteria or microorganisms.
A Note about Energy Usage and AWG Efficiency
It's important to note that the energy required to operate an atmospheric water generator varies depending on the specific model and capacity, but most AWGs are designed to be energy-efficient.
The effectiveness of an atmospheric water generator is influenced by various factors, including humidity levels, temperature, and air quality. Generally, higher humidity levels (around 50-60%) and temperatures are more favorable for water production. However, even in areas with lower humidity levels, certain AWGs can still extract water efficiently.
There are different types of atmospheric water generators available, ranging from small portable units suitable for individual use to larger, industrial-scale systems capable of producing thousands of liters per day.
Advantages of Atmospheric Water Generators
Besides the "cool factor" of being able to create water from thin air (sorry...couldn't help the pun), let's touch on some of the practical benefits of the technology:
1. Independence from water sources: AWGs provide a reliable and sustainable source of water, independent of traditional water sources such as rivers, lakes, or wells. This means that even in regions where there is a scarcity of water, AWGs can provide a consistent supply of clean drinking water.
2. Environmentally friendly: Unlike traditional water sources, AWGs do not deplete water tables or contribute to water pollution. They also reduce the need for transportation and plastic bottles, helping to minimize the carbon footprint associated with the production and delivery of bottled water.
(For example, this relatively new-to-the-market model, the compact Desktop Solaris WaterGen Atmospheric Water Generator uses only 200W per day! Total game-changer! CLICK HERE to check it out, or click the product image below to learn more. Oh! And if necessary, it can be hooked up to a solar generator!)
3. Energy-efficient: While the energy consumption of AWGs varies depending on the model and capacity, technological advancements have led to the development of energy-efficient units. Some AWGs utilize renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, making them even more sustainable.
4. Disaster relief and emergency situations: AWGs play a crucial role in disaster-stricken areas where access to clean drinking water can be severely limited. They can quickly provide a reliable source of water without the need for complex infrastructure or transportation logistics.
Applications of Atmospheric Water Generators
Here's a start:
1. Residential use: AWGs are increasingly being used in homes to provide a supplemental source of drinking water. They can be particularly useful in areas where water quality is poor or during periods of drought.
2. Commercial use: Many businesses, particularly those in the hospitality industry, have started incorporating AWGs to provide their customers with high-quality drinking water while reducing their environmental impact.
3. Military and humanitarian operations: AWGs are widely used in military and humanitarian operations, ensuring access to safe drinking water for troops deployed in remote areas or communities affected by natural disasters.
4. Agriculture: AWGs can also be used for agricultural purposes, providing water for irrigation in regions where water scarcity poses a challenge to food production.
I think this is just the beginning. Think about hurricanes (I live in a hurricane prone area, so I naturally think about this angle): If you look at that Solaris Desktop WaterGen we mentioned above, and also have a solar powered generator like the Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station (or even a standard gas powered generator like the ones we discuss here), one could be assured of having fresh, potable water during power outages or during municipal "boil orders" (which sometimes happens during storms).

Click this chart to visit the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Solar Battery Powered Portable Generator on Amazon for more information.
Atmospheric Water Generator Prices
Let's face it, these things aren't cheap. Did you check out the Solaris desktop model we showed you above? As of this writing (July 2024), the price on Amazon for that unit was just under $1800 (on sale).
According to the listing here, it DOES generate up to 10 liters (just over 2.5 gallons) of fresh water per day, so that's not bad!
That's pretty much the same capacity as this similarly priced Lekocyco model (here). Both are fairly new models (the Solaris was introduced on Amazon in December 2023, and the Lekocyco was introduced in March 2024). The Solaris has a few more reviews (sitting at about 4.4 stars), and the Lekocyco has only one (5 star) review as of this writing.
Here's the Lekocyco, below (click on the image to visit the product page).
Of course, the technology is still evolving, and there are sure to be more options available as time goes on. In this article, we won't be talking about commercial or industrial models, but if you are curious (and I was!) in seeing what some of the industrial options are, check out this website by "Aquamaker" and be prepared for some real sticker shock! (Spoiler alert - we're talking anywhere from $20,000 - $200,000!)
Considering Building Your Own AWG?
Let's look more closely at how to create a DIY Atmospheric Water Generator!
General Process for a DIY Atmospheric Water Generator
While the DIY plans from Air Fountain will give more indepth instructions and illustrations, here is the general process.
Step 1: Gather the Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
- A dehumidifier
- A water pump
- A water storage tank
- A power source (solar or electrical)
- Tubing and fittings
- A water filter
Step 2: Choose the Location
Select a suitable space to set up your atmospheric water generator. It should ideally be in a cool, dry area with good air circulation. Avoid placing it near strong odors or chemicals that could contaminate the water produced.
Step 3: Assemble the System
Follow these steps to assemble your atmospheric water generator:
- Place the dehumidifier in the designated location and connect it to a power source.
- Connect the water pump to the dehumidifier's water collection tank using tubing and fittings.
- Attach the other end of the tubing to the water storage tank.
- Ensure all connections are secure and there are no leaks.
Step 4: Install the Water Filtration System
Installing a water filtration system is crucial to ensure the water produced by your atmospheric water generator is clean and safe for consumption. Follow the instructions provided with your chosen water filter to install it correctly.
Step 5: Test and Adjust
Once the system is set up, conduct a few initial tests to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Check for leaks, verify the water pump is working, and monitor the water collection process. Adjust the settings on the dehumidifier if necessary to optimize water production.
Step 6: Maintenance and Monitoring
To keep your atmospheric water generator running smoothly, regular maintenance is necessary. Clean the water storage tank and the water filter periodically to prevent bacterial growth. Pay attention to any signs of malfunction and promptly address them to avoid any interruption in water supply.
Step 7: Enjoy the Benefits
Congratulations! You have successfully built your own atmospheric water generator. Now you can enjoy a reliable source of clean drinking water whenever you need it. Not only will you save money on bottled water, but you will also contribute to reducing plastic waste.
How to Make an Atmospheric Water Generator (YouTube Videos)
I cannot speak for our readers, but I can tell you that I personally understand different technologies and processes when I watch others teach. YouTube has its fair share of time-sucks and rabbit holes, but when it comes to learning specific skills, I've found it quite helpful.
And when it comes to DIY projects like this, I found a few different videos with ideas and tutorials that intrigued me. Perhaps you will find them helpful! Here are three to get you started - and you can bet that once you are watching them, you'll see even more!
Video 1: DIY Atmospheric Water Generator! - Produces/Extracts Distilled Water from the air! - DIY distiller
This video, created in or around 2018 has had over 605,000 views!
Video 2: PLAYLIST: How To Make Your Own Air To Water Generator At Home | 4 to 9 Gallons Of Purified Water/Day (5 videos)
This is a little more current (posted sometime in 2021 or thereabouts), and is the playlist of 5 videos he made on the topic. His channel does not allow us to embed his videos or playlist, but here is the actual link to the playlist.
Video 3: Water from the air. Homemade atmospheric water generator (AWG)
This one is pretty cool! The video creator posted what was actually an award winning science fair project. Posted around 2019 or so, it shows some real ingenuity! Check it out:
Wrapping it Up
As the global water crisis intensifies, innovative solutions like Atmospheric Water Generators offer hope for a sustainable future. The ability to generate clean drinking water from the air has tremendous potential to address water scarcity, mitigate environmental impact, and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
By harnessing the natural process of condensation, these devices can provide a reliable source of water in areas where access to freshwater is limited. With technological advancements and increasing awareness of water conservation, atmospheric water generators are becoming a promising solution for many communities around the world.
Beyond personal use, consider sharing this knowledge with others in your community who might benefit from this technology.
And, by the way - just a thought: Building atmospheric water generators can be a great community project or an educational tool to promote sustainability.