Fog harvesting could emerge as a significant water source for drought-stricken cities, particularly in Alto Hospicio, Chile, where rainfall is nearly nonexistent. Researchers advocate for the implementation of large-scale fog capture systems to alleviate water scarcity faced by impoverished communities. This method could provide sustainable drinking water and irrigation solutions amidst the challenges posed by urban growth and climate change.
Recent research from Chile suggests that fog harvesting may serve as a viable source of drinking water for some of the world’s driest cities. Conducted in Alto Hospicio, where annual rainfall is scarce at only 0.19 inches (5mm), the study emphasizes the untapped potential of capturing fog as a sustainable alternative for water supply.
Dr. Virginia Carter Gamberini, the lead researcher from Universidad Mayor, highlighted that many residents face significant challenges, including poverty and limited access to clean water. The study indicates that a large segment of the population relies on truck deliveries for drinking water, signifying an urgent need for alternative water sources.
Fog harvesting is achieved by erecting fine mesh nets that capture water droplets from passing fog. This straightforward method has been implemented on a smaller scale for decades in rural regions of South and Central America, particularly where fog conditions are favorable. Morocco hosts one of the largest fog harvesting installations, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness even in arid regions.
Dr. Gamberini proposes a new phase of larger-scale fog harvesting, which could ensure a sustainable urban water supply. By evaluating potential water production through fog collection, in conjunction with satellite data on cloud formations, researchers identified significant harvestable water volumes available to Alto Hospicio’s underserved communities.
The research revealed that annual collection rates can be impressive, predicting that 17,000 square meters of mesh could supply the weekly water needs of approximately 300,000 liters currently delivered to urban slums. Furthermore, it could fulfill 110 square meters of annual irrigation demands for local vegetation.
Alto Hospicio, situated at the boundary of the arid Atacama Desert, relies heavily on depleted underground aquifers for water. Given the rising urban population and the demand on these scarce resources from industries, the scientists emphasize the growing urgency for sustainable drinking water sources. Dr. Gamberini further noted that Chile’s unique geographical layout makes it particularly well-suited for fog harvesting.
This research underscores the potential of fog harvesting as a transformative solution for water scarcity in arid regions. As urban populations surge, the reliance on traditional water sources becomes increasingly untenable. The insights from the study advocate for innovative approaches, such as capturing atmospheric water, to enhance resilience against climate change and improve access to clean drinking water in vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
