Located on the outskirts of the Moroccan desert, the mountainous region of Ait Baamrane experiences scarce rainfall. However, for six months of the year, it witnesses an abundance of dense fog originating from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

This fog, while hindering visibility, also provides a solution for water scarcity. How? By being harnessed in the world’s largest fog collection system.

But how does fog harvesting work? Water vapor in the air is pushed by the wind through vertical nets, where it condenses into small droplets that drip down the netting and accumulate in large containers. These nets collect approximately 35,000 liters (about 9,200 gallons) of water daily, fulfilling the needs of over 1,000 individuals and serving agricultural purposes as well.

Fog collection is not limited to Morocco’s mountains; it takes place in other regions such as Ghana, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Chile, California, and South Africa, showcasing the immense global potential, especially along coastlines. On average, a 40-square-meter (450-square-mile) fog net provides around 200 liters per day, each costing approximately $1,500 (€1,628).

Although initially perceived as a solution for remote rural areas, a study published in the scientific journal “Frontiers in Environmental Science” has shown that fog collection technology could also benefit cities. In the desert town of Alto Hospicio in Chile, where less than 1 millimeter of rainfall is received annually, researchers have experimented with fog nets both within the urban area and on surrounding hills. It was discovered that up to 10 liters per square meter could be collected on certain days, sufficient to meet the water needs of populations lacking access to public water sources.

Using fog collection, it is estimated that the entire water requirements of Alto Hospicio’s slums could be covered using around 17,000 square meters of netting, equivalent to the size of approximately two and a half soccer pitches. Around 110 square meters of netting would be sufficient to irrigate the city’s green spaces year-round. While this method of water harvesting is seasonal, it offers a valuable alternative during the summer months when other sources may be scarce.

The original article was written in German.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/where-fog-is-helping-against-water-shortages/a-71892254?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf