Green Wombat

Australian scientists have developed a showerhead device they say cuts water use by 30 percent by injecting tiny air bubbles into water droplets. "The Aerated Showerhead creates the sensation of having a full and steady stream of water even though the water is now more like a wet shell around a bubble of air," according to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the  Australian government’s super science agency that created the technology. While aerated showerheads have been around for awhile, the CSIRO nozzle-like gadget is a new technology the agency claims could save the average household 15,000-20,000 liters (about 4,000 to 5,300 gallons) of water annually. Jie Wu, the CSIRO scientist who lead development of the "air shower," says the nozzle is expected to sell for about $15 and can be installed by homeowners. Part of CSIRO’s mandate is to commercialize its technology and it often works with investors and startups on spin-offs or licensing deals. The person to see in this case is Dilip Manuel, the business development manager for CSIRO Manufacturing & Materials Technology. Given its low rainfall, frequent droughts and desert environment, it’s no surprise that Australia leads when it comes to inventing water-saving technology. With a global water crisis looming, such technology will inevitably be in demand.