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Water from Fog

Analysis by Tracy Staedter
Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:36 AM ET
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Some desert beetles get their water from fog, by allowing it to condense on their bodies into dew drops and drinking it. Some humans living in super dry areas are doing the same thing. This morning I heard a spot on the BBC radio program about how people living in Peru use huge nets to capture fog rolling off the ocean. (Read How Peru is Netting Water Supplies.) The water in the fog condenses on the mesh screens and drips into troughs; pipes carry the water to where it will be used.

It's a great example of how can make a huge difference in the lives of people.

For more examples, see our Wide Angle: Technology Saving the World.

Image: courtesy of IDRC / CDRI; Photographer Sitoo Mukerji

Tags: Buildings and Structures, Conservation, Water