#WATERQUALITY
The shocking energy cost of ‘Air to Water’ systems
10 June 2025, 16:00 GMT
By BE WTR
As climate change reshapes our priorities, sustainability in hydration has become non-negotiable. Among the newer water technologies emerging, atmospheric water generation—better known as “air to water”—has gained momentum. It sounds like magic: extracting drinking water directly from the air. But behind the sleek promise lies a sobering truth. Let’s break it down.
Air to Water: A power-hungry promise
Air-to-water systems work by cooling humid air below its dew point, forcing water vapor to condense into liquid. It’s a compelling solution for remote or arid regions with no water infrastructure. But there’s a catch-actually, several.
These systems are notoriously energy-intensive. Compressors, chillers, and fans all run constantly to maintain operation, especially in climates with low humidity. According to the latest technical data, generating just 1 liter of water consumes around 0.3 kWh—roughly equivalent to boiling an entire kettle of water for 18 minutes and 11 seconds .
In contrast, desalinated municipal water—prevalent in places like the UAE—uses just 0.003 kWh per liter. That’s 100 times less energy.
⚖️ The real energy comparison
To contextualize:
- Air to Water: 0.3 kWh/L
- Desalinated Water: 0.003 kWh/L
The numbers speak volumes. While air-to-water may seem sustainable at first glance, its energy demands tell a different story. When scaled, this means greater carbon emissions and operational costs—especially critical in regions already grappling with energy challenges.
🧊 Choose wisely: cool innovation vs. cool efficiency
At BE WTR, we believe in solutions that are both elegant and responsible. Our bottling solutions enhance local tap water—filtering it for taste and safety—without the energy burden of atmospheric systems. We celebrate low-impact hydration that respects local resources, saves energy, and elevates the guest experience.
So before jumping on the “air to water” trend, ask: what does it cost to conjure that glass of water?

Discover the smarter, cleaner alternative
Explore how our automated bottling solutions deliver premium hydration with a fraction of the energy footprint.
BE PROUD. BE HAPPY. BE RESPONSIBLE. BE WTR.
Discover our systems
A choice of beautiful, functional, hygienic dispensers with adapted capacity to fit any use, from small office to high volume restaurant.