Fog water harvesting investigation as a water supply resource in arid and semi-arid areas

Abstract

In view of high population growth and water resources deficit in arid and semiarid area and groundwater resources shortage in mountainous area, there is an urgent need to identify the alternative sources of potable water. Fog is one of such sources of water. Although fog water yielding potential is largely ignored by water authorities, it was used extensively in ancient times and promoted the water productivity. The objective of this research is to review the fog collection in Yemen and South Africa. In El Tofo Mountain in Chagungo (Chile), 75 fog collectors were erected. According to the reports, production rates vary from zero on a clear day to maximum of 100000 liter per day. With this arrangement, each of the 330 villagers received about 33 liter of clean water per person per day. Geographical and climate characteristics, droplets distribution, and fog density need to be evaluated and are crucial factors for success of fog water harvesting project. Chemical and microbial studies of fog water harvesting show that the water quality is safe for human consumption. Thus, it can be considered as an alternative source of water in arid and semi-arid regions that dense fog could be available.