Dr. David Manz

Dr. David Manz is an example of an Albertan who has used his ingenuity to help others.
In addition to forming a company to manufacture his invention, he has
established a charity to share its benefits
with those in developing countries.

Dr. David Manz grew up on a small farm in rural Saskatchewan. After completing his Masters degree in Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, he moved to Edmonton with his wife Nora to work as a flood forecaster for Alberta Environment. He soon discovered he was ill suited to the position, and left the city, quickly accepting a teaching position at Lethbridge Community College in Environmental Sciences.

He returned to Edmonton to complete his education at the University of Alberta, obtaining his doctorate in water resources engineering and basing his professional career in hydraulic systems. Manz accepted a faculty position at the University of Calgary in 1983.

The professor soon became a world-renowned expert in irrigation engineering, acting as a consultant to several world organizations including the United Nations, and spent time travelling and lecturing around the world. After a trip to South Africa in the late 80s, Manz began developing his invention, the BioSand water filter.

The filter became a commercial and humanitarian success, earning a Project Achievement Award in 1996 from the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA).

Manz established his company, Davnor, in 1996 to manufacture and market the BioSand water filter. In 1999 he left the University of Calgary to dedicate all of his time to his business. He also founded the charity Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology, in 2001 to help distribute his product to developing countries. He currently resides in Calgary with his wife and son where he enjoys pottery, making pickles and sausage and collecting oriental ceramics.

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