WAPIs Journey

​Greetings to all
As we enter this holiday season, may we all take a quiet moment to thank our Lord and Savior for His bountiful blessings in our lives.

Students watching over Bob Tait’s shoulder.

A Honduran Gentleman learning how to assemble a WAPI.

​We at WAPIs for the World have experiences to reflect on our advancements throughout our journey. To date, we have distributed over 60,000 plus units around different areas of the world, most recently to Honduras. Who would have thought that eight years ago we would have been able to achieve such an ambitious goal?

There are many families, as of now, that do not suffer from waterborne diseases because of the devotion of so many volunteers dedicated to the WAPI project. We are making a difference! The WAPI is a simple device created by Dr. Dale Andreatta, along with Fred Barrett engineered the basic design of the WAPI back in 1998. Dr. Robert Metcalf created the scientific study of the device. Dr. Metcalf is a retired microbiology professor Emeritus from the California State University, Sacramento, USA. Their effort has had a lasting effect on many people in need of potable water.

​The WAPI itself seems so simple, and it is. It has a distinct capability of keeping humans healthy when used properly. Time after time we have been able to research our endeavors and found that this device works very effectively.

I first learned of the WAPI in 2010 while preparing for our trip to Zambia, Africa. We not only made WAPIs to take on our trip, we tested them with our Portable Medical Lab Testing Equipment that was donated by Dr. Metcalf himself.

The portable medical laboratories enable us to test for E-coli contaminated water anywhere in the world. These test kits are internationally recognized for accurate water testing ability. Colilert tubes and petrifilm is the basis for identification of E-coli, the bacteria that causes diarrhea. Each test we conducted with this equipment proved that when the WAPI was used as instructed, all harmful bacteria was eliminated. Our WAPI has a melting temperature of 154°F, which is well above pasteurization temperature at 149°F / 65°C, no matter where the water comes from, including the toilet. If you would like to do a water test of your local stream, contact me at 503-801-8642, and we will teach you how to use it. 

There have been many contributors dedicated toward our effort in distributing WAPIs. Just recently, Boy Scout troop 0320 in Vancouver, Washington, USA made over 800 units that found their way into the mountains of Honduras where waterborne disease is very prevalent during the rainy times of the year. 1500 families on the eastern coast were flooded out of their homes by a four-foot-high wall of water and mud. A hurricane in the gulf virtually flushed their mud walls way, leaving nothing but poles and maybe a roof. 

Thanks Troop 0320 Good Job!!!! And good job Grady and Morgan. Your outstanding leadership and commitment in helping others speaks volumes of your dedication and devotion for those around you. God’s blessings be with you and the Boy Scouts.

Otto Bamback and Chris Galligan worked very hard to develop an outstanding "WAPI making device" that has come to be known as the hot air cradle. The cradle holds a hot air blower (embossing tool) in place while heating one end of the WAPI tube. Pulling a handle down compress’ the open tube, literally pressing the ends together with a corrugated metal cast die placed in exact location to seal the top and bottom. They are great!!!! We have used them with local youth groups who want to make WAPIs. We have achieved great success making a superb well-made product. There are two communities in Honduras that are now making WAPIs to give to those in need. The hot air cradle concept makes a better formed WAPI.

As we have seen, working together, we can make a difference. Seeing the inclusiveness in everyone only inspires me to work harder. As we enter 2019, everything looks promising. Something new and different is on its way. I'll keep you all posted.

Merry Christmas To You All and May Gods Blessings Abound!
With Warm Regards,
Bob