In a world where desertification continues to advance, the search for solutions continues to drive multiple ways to combat water scarcity. Although in the blog we have talked many times about solutions to droughts, or the problem they entail, this time we will talk about fog. How is the process to capture it and transform it into water.
Before we begin, it's important to understand that this isn't a system for "creating" water . It uses existing water, in microdroplets, but it does use it. This means that rather than creating water, this method has the advantage of redirecting its use, both for irrigation and consumption . It's actually an excellent solution for periods of fog but drought, ensuring that irrigation doesn't stop. A small but significant water boost. We'll explain more below.
The fog catchers. Panels that trap water
Fog-collecting panels or screens are designed to capture moisture or fog. Their purpose is to concentrate water particles until they are dense enough to form droplets. The idea originated as a solution for areas where the lack of this precious liquid was most urgent. And they can actually work in any area, because even in the desert at night there is moisture. Of course, the amount of moisture collected will depend on the humidity or fog level of the area.
The way they work is very simple. As the tiny water bodies settle on the screen, they concentrate to form larger droplets. These drops, by their own weight at the end tend to fall with gravity. At the bottom there is a collector for this falling water, which is directed to the desired point. It can be directly to the plants, or the containers that store the water.
Fog-collecting panels are made with a precisely textured mesh that can only be pierced with a pencil point. They come in various types, but one of the most economical and widely used is made of plastic. For these, the diameter of the holes through which the fog or moisture "filters" is slightly larger. This might result in a small reduction in fog retention, but it doesn't diminish their effectiveness. Each square meter of mesh can collect 4 to 15 liters of water per night! Furthermore, it's important to consider that these panels can be a valuable solution in arid regions where water harvesting is a constant challenge, as discussed in our section on hydrogeology and also in our article on how fog forms.
Ideally, they should be placed on hillsides or in windy areas. They are also typically located 300 to 800 meters above sea level. But as we've said, they can actually be placed practically anywhere.
It's important to consider, for example, that fog doesn't always have the same purity; the water can be contaminated . Depending on the area, it can be stored in containers if it will be used more extensively later and shouldn't become contaminated. Furthermore, if the water isn't very suitable for consumption even after storage, daily collection can be followed by filtration , using cotton, quartz sand, gravel, charcoal, chlorination, etc. To make better use of the collected water, it's advisable to review the filtration tools used, as explained in our article on flooding and filtration , and other methods related to water vapor and its relationship to climate.
Panels
Fog-collecting panels are made with a precisely textured mesh that can only be pierced with a pencil point. They come in various types, but one of the most economical and widely used is made of plastic. For these, the diameter of the holes through which the fog or moisture "filters" is slightly larger. This might result in a small reduction in fog retention, but it doesn't diminish their effectiveness. Each square meter of mesh can collect 4 to 15 liters of water per night!
Ideally, they should be placed on hillsides or in windy areas. They are also typically located 300 to 800 meters above sea level. But as we've said, they can actually be placed practically anywhere.
It's important to consider, for example, that fog doesn't always have the same purity; the water can be contaminated . Depending on the area, it can be stored in containers if it will be used more extensively later and shouldn't become contaminated. Furthermore, if the water isn't entirely safe for consumption even after storage, daily collection can be followed by filtration , using methods such as cotton, quartz sand, gravel, charcoal, chlorination, etc. Understanding how different types of fog affect these processes is crucial .
Its maintenance? The best. Practically nil
Thanks to its simple installation and minimal equipment requirements, maintenance is extremely easy. Even so, minor issues can arise, such as pipe breaks. Depending on the material, these may need to be replaced, or they can be repaired by sealing them if the problem isn't too extensive. Occasionally, tears or rips in the fabric may occur . These can usually be quickly fixed with a needle and thread. Furthermore, maintaining the quality of the collected water is crucial, which often involves considering water filtration methods, such as those discussed in our article on optical refraction and its relationship to water.
The worst thing we can find being large and light screens is that a gale or hurricane force winds destroy them. In that case, prevention is always better than cure, and anticipating wind, make a withdrawal on time. Another reason could be small rodents, or thirsty animals that are nearby. It must be taken into account that if the container exposes a lot of water, these problems will have to be dealt with.
Typically, the lifespan of these mesh screens is around 5 years . If we do the math, each one can supply us with tons of water during its useful life. A great system for combating drought, which deserved a mention on the blog.
