The so-called Ozzie Water Purifier RP2 water ultrafiltration treatment units were invented by Howard Mendel, a mechanical engineer who has spent most of his working life around pumps and water pipes.

It took Mr Mendel about five years to create the current RP2, and an earlier prototype is already in use in part of Asia and Africa.

For Mr Mendel, being able to create a system which helped provide clean drinking water – and in turn reduce the risks of illness to children who drank contaminated supplies – was attractive.

“About 1500 children die in the world every day because of diahorrea,” Mr Mendel said.

Now, an esitmated 800 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo are going to be able to access clean drinking water thanks to a gift of four RP2 units from the Wagga Rotary Club, with Wagga firm Ron Crouch Transport taking them to Perth for shipping to Africa.