Fog Harvesting as a Sustainable Solution for Water Scarcity in Arid Cities
Fog harvesting may serve as a critical water source for extremely dry cities, particularly Alto Hospicio in northern Chile, where rainfall is minimal. Researchers propose using fog collection to provide clean drinking water and support agriculture. This approach could alleviate reliance on truck-delivered water and enhance urban resilience to climate change.
Research from Chile indicates that fog harvesting could significantly benefit some of the driest cities by providing a sustainable source of drinking water. In particular, the desert city of Alto Hospicio, which experiences average annual rainfall of less than 0.19 inches (5 mm), faces severe water accessibility issues. Many of its impoverished residents depend on trucked water supply, highlighting a critical need for alternative solutions.
The process of harvesting fog involves suspending a fine mesh between poles, allowing moisture-laden clouds to pass through, where droplets form and are then collected into pipes for storage. While small-scale systems have been utilized in rural areas of South and Central America, researchers are now advocating for larger-scale implementations in urban settings like Alto Hospicio, which could ensure reliable water supplies.
The researchers estimated that with sufficient fog harvesting infrastructure, 17,000 square meters of mesh could yield enough water to satisfy the weekly demand of 300,000 liters currently supplied by truck. This quantity would also meet irrigation needs for the city’s green areas. Furthermore, harvested fog water can be utilized for hydroponic agricultural practices, yielding significant vegetable production.
Set against the backdrop of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions globally, Alto Hospicio primarily relies on ancient underground aquifers, which are under severe strain due to growing urban populations and industrial demand. Consequently, new sources of water are desperately needed, particularly as climate change exacerbates existing challenges. Dr. Virginia Carter Gamberini described Chile’s unique suitability for fog harvesting due to its extensive oceanic coastline and mountainous terrain.
Currently, her team is developing a comprehensive fog harvesting map for Chile, aiming to systematically identify optimal locations for fog collection. Dr. Carter posits that utilizing water from fog could bolster urban resilience to climatic shifts while enhancing access to clean water for vulnerable populations in regions like Alto Hospicio.
In conclusion, fog harvesting presents a viable solution for addressing the water scarcity faced by the residents of Alto Hospicio and other arid cities. This innovative method not only offers a new source of drinking water but also supports agricultural practices. The findings from Chile could potentially reshape urban water management strategies, making cities more resilient amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
