Can We Make Water from Fog? Scientists Say Yes!
Water scarcity is a growing crisis, especially in hyper-arid regions where rainfall is minimal. One such area is Alto Hospicio in Chile, a city located in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. With less than 1mm of annual rainfall, securing clean water is a major challenge for its rapidly growing population. Now, researchers have found a promising solution: fog harvesting.
How Does Fog Harvesting Work?
Fog harvesting is a simple yet innovative process. It involves using mesh collectors suspended between two posts to capture moisture from the air. The collected droplets then fall into gutters and are stored in tanks. This method requires no external energy, making it a sustainable and cost-effective water source.
A recent study conducted in Alto Hospicio tested the feasibility of fog harvesting as a supplementary urban water supply. The results were encouraging—during peak collection months, fog collectors gathered up to 10 liters of water per square meter daily. This amount is sufficient to help with drinking water, irrigation, and even agriculture.
Why Alto Hospicio Needs Fog Harvesting
Alto Hospicio is experiencing rapid urban growth, and approximately 10,000 residents live in informal settlements. Shockingly, only 1.6% of these settlements have access to water distribution networks, forcing many residents to rely on water delivered by trucks. This unreliable supply makes daily life difficult and expensive.
“Fog harvesting represents an opportunity to improve water access in arid urban areas,” says Dr. Virginia Carter Gamberini, an assistant professor at Universidad Mayor and co-author of the study published in Frontiers in Environmental Science.
The Potential of Fog Harvesting in Cities
The study revealed that 17,000 square meters of mesh collectors could generate enough water to meet the weekly demand of urban slums—around 300,000 liters. Additionally, 110 square meters of collectors could provide the 100,000 liters needed annually for irrigating green spaces in the city.
Beyond drinking and irrigation, fog water can support soil-free agriculture, allowing communities to grow up to 20kg of leafy greens per month. This could provide fresh produce in areas with limited access to traditional farming.
Can Fog Harvesting Work in Other Locations?
While fog harvesting is promising, its success depends on several factors:
- Fog density: The thicker the fog, the more water can be collected.
- Wind patterns: Winds help direct fog into the mesh collectors.
- Topography: Elevated landforms work best for fog harvesting.
Since fog is often seasonal, future research will need to explore how to make this method more effective year-round.
A Step Towards Sustainable Water Solutions
Although fog harvesting alone cannot solve global water scarcity, it can be a vital complementary solution in arid regions. The study’s authors encourage policymakers to integrate this method into national water management strategies to enhance urban resilience against climate change and rapid urbanization.
Final Thoughts
As climate change intensifies and water shortages become more severe, sustainable solutions like fog harvesting offer hope. By harnessing nature’s resources, communities in dry regions can improve water security and overall quality of life.
Could fog harvesting be the future of water conservation?
