A reusable water bottle that kills bacteria

The bottle uses UV light to kill harmful bacteria and purify water

Spotted: A study found that as much as 83 per cent of reusable bottles are contaminated with bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. A start-up has now solved this problem with a reusable stainless-steel water bottle, the Larq, which purifies drinking water and kills bacteria.

The Larq uses 280nm UV-C light to destroy the DNA of bacteria, rendering them harmless. It takes around 60 seconds to purify the water. The inside of the bottle is made from high-quality stainless steel, which reflects the UV light so that it reaches all areas of the bottle (including hard-to-clean areas such as the base and neck). 

The bottles’ makers claim that the bottle neutralizes up to 99.9999 per cent of harmful, odour-causing germs. The bottle recharges via USB, with one charge lasting up to a month. The bottle can also be set in ‘adventure mode’, which provides additional purification for people who are refilling the bottle in areas where the water has not received prior purification. 

The Larq is available for €85, which is significantly more expensive than other reusable bottles. However, the company claims that the bottle will save users up to €1000 on the cost of bottled water, in addition to reducing the risk of illness.

Larq isn’t the only innovation Springwise has seen in bottle technology. We have also spotted a smart water bottle that lets you know when you are properly hydrated and a bottle that uses friction to melt snow for drinking.