Reuben Vollmer spent the last decade developing a device that changes how people access drinking water. As CEO of Spout, he’s bringing a countertop machine to market that pulls clean, drinkable water straight from the air. His goal is to replace bottled water, offering a self-sustaining, cost-effective alternative without the environmental impact.
Spout generates up to two gallons (eight liters) of purified water per day using a clay-based absorption system that captures moisture from the air. Unlike tap water, which varies in quality, or bottled water, which often contains microplastics, Spout creates an entirely new source of drinking water. Vollmer sees it as a solution for the millions who rely on bottled water simply because they don’t trust their taps.
The idea came from a personal experience. Ten years ago, his parents, who run a farm in California, were warned that their water rights were at risk due to drought conditions. The next day, while walking his dog, he noticed dew on the grass and wondered if it could be collected and turned into drinkable water. At the time, he was working as a rapid prototyper for Fortune 500 companies, which gave him the technical skills to start experimenting.
That single observation set him on a ten-year path of research, testing, and refinement. Over time, Spout evolved from an oversized, expensive, and loud machine into a sleek, quiet countertop device designed for everyday use.
From NASA Testing to Home Kitchens
Spout’s potential extends beyond residential use. In 2020, during COVID-19 lockdowns, Vollmer built a prototype in his bedroom and sent it to a NASA-affiliated space simulation colony on a Hawaiian volcano. The research station, designed to test technologies for future Mars and moon bases, provided proof that Spout could function in extreme environments.
That test caught the attention of investors, including Mars Bio, a venture capital firm focused on technology for space colonization. Early backers saw Spout as a potential water-generation solution for extraterrestrial habitats, a sign that the technology was both practical and scalable.
The Challenge of Bringing Spout to Market
Developing the technology was just one hurdle, making it practical for consumers was another. Early prototypes were heavy, inefficient, and too expensive for mass adoption. Vollmer’s first attempt at crowdfunding failed, forcing a major redesign.
That turning point came when he partnered with business strategist Tyler and industrial designer Fred Bould, known for his work on the Nest thermostat. The team reworked Spout from the ground up, focusing on making it compact, affordable, and visually appealing.
Manufacturing was another challenge. Each part had to be optimized for cost, durability, and large-scale production. The company spent significant resources on tooling and production, ensuring that Spout could be manufactured at scale without sacrificing quality.
What’s Next for Spout
Now, after years of development, Spout is finally reaching consumers. The first large-scale shipments began in early 2024, with thousands of pre-sold units set to be delivered. While the company is initially focused on the U.S. market, international expansion is planned for later in the year.
For Vollmer, this is just the beginning. Spout isn’t just another water filter, it’s a new way to source drinking water entirely, one that could reshape how people access clean water in homes, businesses, and beyond.More information on Spout can be found on its website or on Instagram.
