In arid regions around the world, cities face the relentless challenge of securing clean water for expanding populations. Traditional sources — rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater — are increasingly stressed. Enter fog harvesting: a technique that collects tiny droplets of atmospheric moisture using large mesh nets, providing a sustainable supplemental water source.
Fog harvesting is not new, but technological refinements are making it increasingly viable for urban applications. Lightweight, high-efficiency meshes, combined with strategically placed collection sites, can capture thousands of liters of water daily. Cities in Chile, Morocco, and the Arabian Peninsula are piloting projects that integrate these systems with municipal water networks.
“We are tapping into a resource that was previously overlooked,” explains Dr. Leila Benkirane, a hydrologist specializing in desert urban water systems. “Fog is ephemeral but predictable, and with proper infrastructure, it can make a meaningful contribution to the water supply.”
Environmental benefits are clear: minimal energy use, low environmental footprint, and independence from overexploited rivers or aquifers. However, challenges remain. Seasonal variability affects yields, maintenance of collection structures is labor-intensive, and scaling the systems for large populations is still a work in progress.
Despite these hurdles, fog harvesting is gaining attention as part of a broader suite of urban water strategies. Combined with desalination, rainwater capture, and efficient distribution systems, it could enhance resilience in the face of climate change.
For cities struggling with chronic water scarcity, fog harvesting represents both a practical and symbolic solution — turning invisible mist into a tangible lifeline. As technology improves and awareness grows, this once-niche method may become a standard tool in the arsenal of sustainable urban water management.