fog nets in peru

AWA has designed fog harvesters using mesh nets to condense water molecules from fog. These nets, at least a meter squared in size, are erected perpendicular to the wind, allowing gravity to pull the water droplets to a collector. On average, the system yields three litres of water per square meter per day. Tested in remote areas, the technology requires minimal supervision. Other models using string-like arrangements yield about nine liters of water. The collected water can be easily filtered to provide clean drinking water for remote communities facing water scarcity. AWA's fog-harvesting solution aims to solve water scarcity issues for domestic and agricultural purposes.

AWA has completed the construction phase of the project and is now focused on maintenance and data collection. Funds from donations and sponsorships cover expenses for fog net supplies, water storage units, and filtration system design. A portion of the team is based in Lima, Peru, near the community of Ihuanco, allowing for personal involvement and oversight of fog net implementation. After discussions with local authorities and a knowledgeable teacher, Ihuanco was chosen as a receptive community to pilot the intervention. The community currently relies on insufficient and unfiltered groundwater, leading to long-term storage issues and health risks. AWA aims to provide a clean and reliable water alternative through locally driven fog-harvesting. This addresses the community-identified need and bridges the gap between the fog-harvesting solution and the community's requirements.

In addition to the costs of designing and building fog nets, funds will also be allocated for creating a park in the town. The park serves as a green space for social engagement, community building, and sustainability education. This locally-driven project can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual communities.

Fog-harvesting technology is adaptable to address various water requirements, such as drinking water, hygiene, and agriculture. Fog catchers are a sustainable and low-maintenance solution for providing water to smaller rural communities. While operational and maintenance tasks are minimal, the initial investment for designing and implementing the technology is higher. In May 2021, AWA met its ambitious goal to have the fog-harvesting technology implemented in Ihuanco, paving the way to end water scarcity for the village.

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