EPA and WaterStep Demonstrated Mobile Water Treatment
Officials showcased a compact unit in Lawrence designed to provide clean water following system failures.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Utilities
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and WaterStep recently demonstrated a portable water treatment system in Lawrence, Kansas. The technology is engineered to supply clean water for essential needs like cooking and cleaning during utility emergencies.
Why it matters
Portable water treatment solutions are critical for maintaining public health and sanitation after natural disasters or infrastructure failures. This technology provides a flexible, rapid-response alternative to traditional water systems.
The Water-on-Wheels unit weighs under 500 pounds and can be transported in a standard pick-up truck. It features a daily processing capacity of 10,000 gallons and utilizes a 1,250-gallon bladder tank for treated water storage.
The players
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This federal agency provides technical assistance and research for environmental protection and public safety projects.
WaterStep
This organization designs and fabricates water treatment solutions to address global waterborne disease and infrastructure needs.
The details
The unit employs a multi-stage treatment process involving pre-filtration, salt-based chlorine gas generation, and UV-C disinfection. It is designed for versatility, running on power from generators, batteries, or solar panels, and can be operated by trained local volunteers.
Timeline
The deployment of Water-on-Wheels carts initially began in 2020.
EPA Region 7 demonstrated the mobile unit in Lawrence, Kansas, on September 18, 2026.
Market Landscape
This project reflects a growing industry pivot toward modular, mobile utility infrastructure capable of bypassing centralized systems during crises. It positions portable technology as a vital supplement to the aging grid and water infrastructure frameworks currently managed by regional utilities.
Residents in the area benefit from improved local emergency preparedness strategies that could reduce reliance on outside aid during outages. The ability to deploy portable treatment units means that clean water for medical care and basic hygiene remains accessible even when primary municipal lines fail.
The takeaway
Reliable access to potable water after a disaster requires pre-staged technology and trained community members to operate it. Municipalities should evaluate their infrastructure vulnerabilities to determine if mobile treatment units are a necessary addition to their emergency stockpile.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in municipal utility systems in Lawrence Utilities.
Live Poll
Do you trust that your local area is prepared to maintain clean water during a disaster?
