An Austrian industrial designer has invented a solar-powered device called Fontus that can condense humidity to turn it into drinkable water. The new product can be attached to a bicycle so cyclists can have a refreshing drink of H20 while traveling in the countryside and it is difficult to find a small store or water source.

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Fontus functions by using the basic scientific principle of condensation. It is what happens when people take a cold can of soda out of a refrigerator, and then moisture forms on the container after it sits at room temperature, according to Live Science.  

Kristof Retezár is Fontus' inventor. He explained to Live Science that the self-filling water bottle works through the condensation of humidity in the air, which could even include very dry environments such as deserts.

The water-making device includes a condensator (cooler) that is connected to surfaces that keep water away. When the bike gadget collects air, the surfaces become cold and create condensation.  

The "hydrophobic" surfaces quickly keeps away the new condensed water. This results in water flowing into the bike water bottle.

Fontus can make 0.5 liters of water in 1 hour in the best conditions. They include temperatures from 86 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 40 degrees Celsius), and from 80 percent to 90 percent humidity.

The Fontus prototype includes a filter on its top. It keeps dust and insects out of the water. However, the early version does not include a method for keeping out dangerous contaminants.

Retezá is considering adding a carbon filter to his invention. It would be helpful for areas such as large cities where air pollution is higher.  

The Austrian inventor is also developing a stand-alone version. It would use an inside-out ventilator that would pull air into the system. It could be used in areas with high humidity and low water supplies.

One main drawback of the Fontus system is that it makes water very slowly. It becomes a big problem when bikers would need 10 to 12 hours to get the 5 to 6 liters of water needed to rehydrate on a hot and humid day, according to Digital Trends.