The water scarcity in North Africa has been a historical constraint for local communities. In this hostile context, the Sahara fog — a frequent climatic phenomenon but previously considered irrelevant — began to be seen from another perspective: as an alternative water source.
In Morocco, various innovative projects focused on how to harness atmospheric humidity without the need for complex electrical systems or costly infrastructures. Thus, the fog harvesting was born, a technique that today is integrated into the debate on sustainability, climate adaptation, and water access in arid regions.
The CloudFisher system
The basis of the project lies in the installation of large catching nets in elevated areas. These structures, known as CloudFisher, intercept the microdroplets suspended in the air when the fog moves inland from the coast.
- Upon contact with the nets, the humidity condenses.
- The water descends by gravity into gutters connected to tanks.
- The system operates passively, without the need for motors or pumps.
The key point of the project is located on Mount Boutmezguida, southwest of Morocco, where altitude, air currents, and a high frequency of fogs converge. Under favorable conditions, the system can reach up to 37,000 liters daily.
Adaptation to extreme climates
The nets are made of resistant polymers, capable of withstanding winds over 120 km/h and prolonged sun exposure. The collected water passes through basic filters before being distributed through pipes powered by solar energy, ensuring a regular supply without relying on external networks.
Main characteristics of the system:
- Each square meter of net generates between 10 and 22 liters daily.
- In episodes of dense fog, production can multiply.
- It does not use electricity or chemicals.
Impact on Berber communities
Beyond the technical aspects, the project transformed the daily life of Berber communities. Before the installation of the nets, many families spent several hours a day accessing distant or unsanitary wells.
Today, more than 1,600 m² of nets are connected to tanks and conduits that bring potable water directly to homes. This reduced the time spent searching for water, altering family routines, improving school attendance, and favoring small-scale agricultural activities. All this without altering the landscape or exploiting underground resources.
A replicable model in the face of climate change
The advancement of climate change intensifies droughts in different regions of the planet. In this scenario, fog harvesting in the Sahara is analyzed as a replicable model in other territories where atmospheric humidity is constant even if rain is scarce.
In parallel, the so-called “cloud mining” proposes similar alternatives for isolated rural areas, based on simple physical principles and durable materials.
Morocco’s experience demonstrates that fog, once ignored, can become a daily source of potable water. Fog harvesting not only offers an efficient and sustainable technical solution but also transforms the lives of entire communities, showing how innovation can respond to the most urgent challenges of climate change.
