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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