Garden of Eden Urban Farming
Controlled environment agriculture, hydroponics, microgreens - Since 2013
Water |
15 July 2025 |
Free water from the sky
Water Fences
Low-Cost Fog Net Water Harvesting for Dry-Land Farmers
15 July 2025
This fog net system is simple, affordable, and scalable —start with a small setup to test results, then expand as needed. Even in very dry climates, it has provided usable amounts of water for household or crop irrigation in many parts of the world.
It is especially applicable to mid-latitude west coasts, such as California, Peru, Iberia, Western Australia and Namibia, where fog is common throughout the year. Imagine something similar on the hill above your indoor farm in Oxnard, with a drain delivering water to fill your cistern every morning.
How Fog Nets Work
- Fog nets catch tiny water droplets from passing fog. The droplets accumulate on the net and drip down into a collection trough, where the water can be stored and used.
- This method requires only basic building materials and does not depend on electricity or complex machinery.
Materials Needed
- Mesh Material: Polypropylene or shade cloth (common in agriculture, cheap, and widely available). Old mosquito netting or similar synthetic net can work.
- Support Posts: Sturdy wooden poles, bamboo, or metal pipes (at least 2–3 meters tall).
- Rope or Wire: For attaching the mesh to the supports.
- Collection Trough: Gutters can be made from plastic pipes cut in half, bamboo, or metal sheets.
- Storage Container: Barrels, buckets, or any clean, sealable container.
- Basic Tools: Knife, wire cutters, hammer, nails or screws.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose a Good Location
- Select a site exposed to prevailing fog, usually on a hillside or ridge.
- Avoid trees or large structures that block wind and fog.
2. Construct the Frame
- Drive two support posts into the ground, about 2–3 meters apart, depending on mesh width (common mesh size: 1 m x 3 m).
- Stretch a horizontal bar across the top of the posts for extra stability.
3. Attach the Net
- Secure the mesh vertically between the posts, as tight as possible. The bottom edge should be at least 30–50 cm above ground.
- Use rope or wire to hold the net in place, ensuring it doesn't sag.
4. Install the Collection Trough
- Place a gutter or half-pipe directly below the bottom edge of the mesh, angled so water flows into your storage container.
- Secure the trough so all drips from the mesh run into it.
5. Set Up Water Storage
- Connect the trough or gutter to a barrel or bucket with a pipe, hose, or just let it drip directly in.
6. Maintenance
- Regularly clean the net to prevent clogging with dust or organic material.
- Check for damage to the mesh and supports, repairing as necessary.
Tips for Success
- Use dark-colored mesh for higher water yield, as fog droplets adhere better.
- Make the mesh as vertical as possible for maximum collection.
- Experiment with net locations and sizes to optimize results over time.
Example Costs (Approximate, Based on Local Materials)
| Item| Source| Approx Cost (USD) |
Related Idea (Facebook video)
It is especially applicable to mid-latitude west coasts, such as California, Peru, Iberia, Western Australia and Namibia, where fog is common throughout the year. Imagine something similar on the hill above your indoor farm in Oxnard, with a drain delivering water to fill your cistern every morning.
How Fog Nets Work
- Fog nets catch tiny water droplets from passing fog. The droplets accumulate on the net and drip down into a collection trough, where the water can be stored and used.
- This method requires only basic building materials and does not depend on electricity or complex machinery.
Materials Needed
- Mesh Material: Polypropylene or shade cloth (common in agriculture, cheap, and widely available). Old mosquito netting or similar synthetic net can work.
- Support Posts: Sturdy wooden poles, bamboo, or metal pipes (at least 2–3 meters tall).
- Rope or Wire: For attaching the mesh to the supports.
- Collection Trough: Gutters can be made from plastic pipes cut in half, bamboo, or metal sheets.
- Storage Container: Barrels, buckets, or any clean, sealable container.
- Basic Tools: Knife, wire cutters, hammer, nails or screws.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose a Good Location
- Select a site exposed to prevailing fog, usually on a hillside or ridge.
- Avoid trees or large structures that block wind and fog.
2. Construct the Frame
- Drive two support posts into the ground, about 2–3 meters apart, depending on mesh width (common mesh size: 1 m x 3 m).
- Stretch a horizontal bar across the top of the posts for extra stability.
3. Attach the Net
- Secure the mesh vertically between the posts, as tight as possible. The bottom edge should be at least 30–50 cm above ground.
- Use rope or wire to hold the net in place, ensuring it doesn't sag.
4. Install the Collection Trough
- Place a gutter or half-pipe directly below the bottom edge of the mesh, angled so water flows into your storage container.
- Secure the trough so all drips from the mesh run into it.
5. Set Up Water Storage
- Connect the trough or gutter to a barrel or bucket with a pipe, hose, or just let it drip directly in.
6. Maintenance
- Regularly clean the net to prevent clogging with dust or organic material.
- Check for damage to the mesh and supports, repairing as necessary.
Tips for Success
- Use dark-colored mesh for higher water yield, as fog droplets adhere better.
- Make the mesh as vertical as possible for maximum collection.
- Experiment with net locations and sizes to optimize results over time.
Example Costs (Approximate, Based on Local Materials)
| Item| Source| Approx Cost (USD) |
| Polypropylene mesh | Local market/shop | $3–$8 per net |
| Support posts | Wood, bamboo, scrap | Free–$4 each |
| Rope/wire | Hardware/agriculture | $2–$4 |
| Gutter/trough| | Scrap pipe/bamboo | Free–$5 |
| Storage | barrel/bucket/Reused containers | Free–$8 |
Related Idea (Facebook video)
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