New technology pulls clean drinking water directly from the air

A startup in the United States has developed machines that harvest clean water from the atmosphere, offering a new way to help communities facing growing water shortages.

“We want everyone on our planet to have water independence where you’re in control of your own water,” said Omar Yaghi, founder of Atoco and chemistry professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

The company’s atmospheric water harvesters use metallic organic frameworks (MOFs) to capture water from the air and convert it into drinking water. Atoco’s commercial prototype can produce up to 4,000 litres of water daily and is designed for hospitals, data centres, and communities with limited water access. The company plans to begin production later in 2026 and expects to manufacture 200 units in 2027. Researchers say the technology could reduce pressure on overstretched water systems while supplying water free from contaminants such as PFAS and microplastics.