Water contamination is a bigger problem in the U.S. than many people realize, and this college student is doing something about it. LaMonte Pierce invented a straw that removes lead and other contaminants from up to 20 gallons of liquid. He currently has a patent and the first straws were created with a 3-D printer using materials that have all been cleared by the FDA.
"If we can filter out lead, we can pretty much filter out anything," Pierce said of his invention. "Take the responsibility of clean water directly out of the government, state and city officials' hands and put it in the hands of the consumers. If you want clean water, here you go."
The invention is named Cleanstraww and there is a hope that it will be available for purchase later this year. There is interest from major retailers, but Pierce is still looking for investors to help support the business and bring this product to market the right way. This company will not only bring clean drinking water to the people, but will create jobs in his home state of Mississippi.
WOW. What an awesome idea.....LaMonte, you are a champ and that's your GOOD NEWS, BABY.
Check out this video from Jackson, Mississippi's News Channel 12 reporter, Lanaya Lewis via twitter below.