The Omniprocessor, a project designed and built by Janicki Bioenergy, is finding success turning human waste into potable water. Bill Gates himself was at hand to take a long swig of the newly-created drinking water.

The project is part of the Gates Foundation's effort to improve sanitation in poor countries. In his blog, Gates said that he visits lots of similar sites like power plants and paper mills. However, he was eager to check this specific one out.

Like Us on Facebook

The project is currently based with the engineering form, north of Seattle.

The Omniprocessor uses a steam engine to produce more than enough energy to burn waste.

"In other words, it powers itself, with electricity to spare," Gates says.

He goes on to talk about the next-generation processor that will be handling waste from 100,000 people and producing up to 86,000 liters of potable water a day and a net 250 kw of electricity.

Why would anyone want to turn waste into drinking water and electricity anyway?

Gates says it is because at least two billion people use latrines that are not properly drained. Others defecate out in the open. This waste then contaminates water for millions of people.

As much as 700,000 children are afflicted with diseased caused by poor sanitation, with consequences including death and a prevention of full mental and physical development.

Gates points out that western toilets are not the answer as the massive infrastructure of sewer lines and treatment plans aren't possible in many poor countries.

The Omniprocessor differs from current sewage treatment plants as it burns the waste. Other plants merely turn the waste into solids and store it in the desert, while others burn it using diesel or other fuels they buy.

Throughout the tour, Gates was able to see piles of feces move up a conveyor belt and drop into a large bin where it was boiled and treated.

In the end, he got a taste of delicious drinking water that he says he would be happy to drink every day.

"It's that safe."

TagsBill Gates, Janicki Bioenergy, water, Waste, The Omniprocessor