[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15662]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING HYDRO-PHOTON, INC.

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, 70 percent of the earth is covered 
by water. Of that, 98 percent can be found in our oceans, which makes 
it unusable for drinking due to the salt content. Only about 2 percent 
of the world's water is fresh and, once polar ice caps and glaciers are 
subtracted, it is a very small percentage that is available for human 
consumption. Here in the United States we are blessed with, and rely 
on, an abundance of available clean drinking water. However, even here, 
mechanical failures, natural disasters, and remoteness of location, can 
diminish the availability of this vital resource.
  I rise today to recognize Hydro-Photon, located in Blue Hill, ME, a 
company that has identified this problem and works diligently to supply 
innovative, accessible solutions. By harnessing and shrinking the 
ultraviolet--UV--technology used by many municipal water treatment 
plants, Hydro-Photon founder Miles Maiden created the SteriPEN which 
offers the same safe, efficient water purification used by the 
treatment plants in a portable, personal device.
  The SteriPEN, originally patented in 1999, was the first portable UV 
water purifier on the market. The product kills viruses, bacteria, and 
protozoa by emitting UV light that is absorbed by the microbes, 
preventing their reproduction. With this compact purifier, users are 
able to have safe drinking water anywhere.
  A company conscious of the need to preserve and protect our natural 
beauty and resources seems right at home in my home State where we are 
blessed with serene mountains and foothills, dense untouched 
wilderness, and a shoreline both beautiful and bountiful. Hydro-Photon 
is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of our natural splendors 
and with the clean water supplied by their SteriPEN, they are making it 
easier and safer for all to enjoy the great outdoors not only in Maine 
but around the world.
  Not only useful to the active outdoorsmen, the SteriPEN finds use in 
a vast array of situations and locations. One example is the recent 
hurricane Sandy that had devastating affects along the northeastern 
coast. Hydro-Photon recognized the necessity of clean water in such 
dire situations and selflessly stepped up to help, donating SteriPENs 
to those affected by the storm in New York and New Jersey.
  For their inventiveness, dedication, and compassion for supplying an 
element so basic to human life, Hydro-Photon is truly a remarkable 
company. I am proud to extend my congratulations on their success and 
offer my best wishes for the future.

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