A wapi is a catchy abbreviation for what is known as a water pasteurization indicator. It alerts you when your water has reached a safe water pasteurization temperature. The green wax contained within the canister was specially designed by microbiologist Dr. Metcalf to melt at 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
The goal of this little travel sized, virtually indestructible device, is to allow you, in any part of the world, to have a means of knowing when your drinking water has been pasteurized, which means the pathogens are no longer a threat.
Pasteurization is not the same as sterilization, which requires much higher temperatures, but pasteurization does offer significant time and fuel savings. By not having to heat water beyond 150 degrees with the water pasteurization indicator, you can use up to 50% less energy while still killing or deactivating all common dangerous pathogens like Salmonella, Escherichia Coli, Listeria, Yersinia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Campylobacter.
For those who live in areas where fuel supplies are scarce or costly, pasteurization is an especially attractive option.
Today, many of our waterways and even ground water are not a reliable source of safe drinking water, and in some regions other options simply may not be available.
When you drink contaminated water, severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea or other complications can result, and in many regions of the world this often wipes out a families savings when they are forced to seek medical treatment. Unfortunately, treating the symptoms won’t do anything to solve the underlying cause or prevent future illnesses. This is where water pasteurization education comes in.
Because water pasteurization does not require high temperatures like boiling water does, it is preferable when fuel is scarce and for those using alternative cooking methods such as a solar oven.
How do you know when your water is safe with a water pasteurization indicator?
A special kind of wax has been incorporated into the new Super Wapi design. It was developed by esteemed microbiologist Dr. Metcalf to melt at 150F. Don’t be intimidated, using a Super Wapi is really easy!
Directions for using a Super Wapi:
- Step 1: Collect your water in a container (when used with a solar oven, a black container will speed heat absorption).
- Step 2: Place the Super Wapi in the container to be heated, so that the stainless steel cable is able to dangle over the edge for easy removal.
- Step 3: When the water has reached pasteurization temperatures, the wax in the water pasteurization indicator will liquefy. It takes only about five minutes at pasteurization temperatures to deactivate 99.9% of all harmful pathogens and viruses.
The Super Wapi is convenient and can be used with multiple fuel sources in a variety of settings. The fish line predecessor found in traditional wapis has been upgraded with a stainless steel cable. This means it can be used with multiple fuel sources (including open flame fires), and not just a solar oven. It is great to have options on a cloudy day, plus you do not need to worry about the fish line melting!
The weights will help keep the Super wapi in an upright position so the wax can pool at the bottom of your clear polycarbonate tube after melting. That way, even if you forget about your water, you will be able to visually see the wax has gone from the top (or a glob in the middle if you forget to keep it upright when cooling) down to the bottom. This memory feature of the wax will help you have confidence it reached the pasteurization temperature safely.
After pasteurizing always remember to use a clean container and utensils and do not handle water with dirty fingers to help prevent re-contamination.
Do Not Use a water pasteurization indicator (Wapi) If:
A water pasteurization indicator is not designed to be used with salt water or water that has been chemically contaminated as heat will not resolve these conditions.
Remember to Put a Super Wapi in Your Emergency Kit!
A water pasteurization indicator is a valuable addition to your emergency preparedness kit. You never know when a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, could contaminate your local water supply.
Because the Super Wapi is so small, inexpensive, and long lasting, it is perfect for hiking and camping in remote regions and right in your own back yard.
Also, remember to bring your Super Wapi when you travel overseas in countries with poor water quality as it is small enough to fit in any pocket.
Who Designed the Super Wapi?
William Stevenson, is a retired mechanical engineer who teamed up with Robert Nepper, a retired electrical engineer, in an effort to innovate the wapi because more than a million people die every year from complications arising from waterborne illnesses, and billions more become ill. We hope that educating people about the benefits of water pasteurization will help save many lives.
Super Wapis are made with care and quality workmanship in the USA.
Please Note: I am offering the new Super Wapi (water pasteurization indicator) for sale – please contact me for pricing. This is a labor of love, and your patience is appreciated. This may mean waiting a day or two before I can make a trip to the post office. Stock up and save on shipping! Buy 1 or buy 10 for $3 shipping and handling in the continental United States! Thank you for looking and good luck on your travels!