Researchers suggest that large-scale fog harvesting could provide sustainable water sources to improve life in Alto Hospicio's slums, offering a glimmer of hope for arid regions.
Fog Harvesting: A Solution for Water Scarcity in Arid Cities
Fog Harvesting: A Solution for Water Scarcity in Arid Cities
Innovative research in Chile reveals potential of fog harvesting to supply drinking water.
Fog harvesting could revolutionize water access in some of the world’s driest urban areas, according to recent findings from a team of researchers in Alto Hospicio, Chile. In a region that receives less than 0.19 inches (5mm) of rain annually, the innovative concept aims to tap into a readily available resource: fog.
Dr. Virginia Carter Gamberini, the leading researcher from Universidad Mayor, highlighted the severe social challenges faced by Alto Hospicio, which include poverty and limited access to water supply networks. Inhabitants of the slums typically rely on water delivered by trucks, making the introduction of a more reliable water source essential.
The team's research indicates that fog clouds, which frequently hover over the city, may serve as a valuable source for water harvesting. The process involves suspending a fine mesh between poles; as fog passes through, droplets of water are captured, funneled, and stored. This method has been implemented successfully at smaller scales in countries across South and Central America, and notable projects also exist in Morocco.
According to Dr. Gamberini, a shift toward larger-scale fog harvesting systems could fundamentally change water availability in urban areas. By examining weather patterns, satellite imagery, and precipitation forecasts, they assessed how much fog could be harvested in Alto Hospicio. Their studies revealed that the conditions are optimal for resource collection, potentially providing substantial amounts of water for the local population.
The researchers found that a mesh of 17,000 square meters could satisfy the weekly water demand of 300,000 liters currently met through truck deliveries. Additionally, 110 square meters of mesh could support irrigation for local green spaces. Fog-harvested water could even be utilized in hydroponic farming, yielding significant amounts of vegetables.
As urban populations expand and groundwater sources dwindle in the Atacama Desert region, the need for sustainable water sources becomes increasingly urgent. The Chilean research team underscores the importance of exploring "water from the clouds" to boost both resilience to climate change and access to drinkable water, paving the way for improved living conditions in underserved areas. Dr. Gamberini noted Chile's unique geographic advantages for this initiative, highlighting a "fog harvesting map" currently being developed to identify optimal locations across the country.
Dr. Virginia Carter Gamberini, the leading researcher from Universidad Mayor, highlighted the severe social challenges faced by Alto Hospicio, which include poverty and limited access to water supply networks. Inhabitants of the slums typically rely on water delivered by trucks, making the introduction of a more reliable water source essential.
The team's research indicates that fog clouds, which frequently hover over the city, may serve as a valuable source for water harvesting. The process involves suspending a fine mesh between poles; as fog passes through, droplets of water are captured, funneled, and stored. This method has been implemented successfully at smaller scales in countries across South and Central America, and notable projects also exist in Morocco.
According to Dr. Gamberini, a shift toward larger-scale fog harvesting systems could fundamentally change water availability in urban areas. By examining weather patterns, satellite imagery, and precipitation forecasts, they assessed how much fog could be harvested in Alto Hospicio. Their studies revealed that the conditions are optimal for resource collection, potentially providing substantial amounts of water for the local population.
The researchers found that a mesh of 17,000 square meters could satisfy the weekly water demand of 300,000 liters currently met through truck deliveries. Additionally, 110 square meters of mesh could support irrigation for local green spaces. Fog-harvested water could even be utilized in hydroponic farming, yielding significant amounts of vegetables.
As urban populations expand and groundwater sources dwindle in the Atacama Desert region, the need for sustainable water sources becomes increasingly urgent. The Chilean research team underscores the importance of exploring "water from the clouds" to boost both resilience to climate change and access to drinkable water, paving the way for improved living conditions in underserved areas. Dr. Gamberini noted Chile's unique geographic advantages for this initiative, highlighting a "fog harvesting map" currently being developed to identify optimal locations across the country.
