Fernando Molina

Peruvian engineer who invented a low-cost water purification system saving millions in Latin America

Fernando Molina (born 1968) revolutionized rural water access through his 1998 invention of the 'Agua Segura' filtration system. This portable unit uses locally sourced materials to remove 99.9% of pathogens at 1/10th the cost of traditional systems. By 2015, his technology provided clean water to 3 million people across Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Molina's non-profit organization trained 5,000+ technicians in sustainable water management. His 2003 'Water for Schools' initiative installed 2,000 filtration units in Andean communities, reducing child mortality rates by 40%. In 2012, he pioneered solar-powered water distribution networks in remote Amazon regions.

His 2016 book 《Agua para Todos》 outlines his engineering philosophy. Molina's work inspired the UN's 2015 Water Innovation Prize, which now funds 150+ global projects based on his model. His 2020 documentary 《The Water Engineer》 highlights challenges in bringing his technology to conflict zones.