Two friends, Greg and Mitch, embark on an experiment to live off the grid by shutting off their access to basic necessities like water and power. They aim to find alternative ways to collect water, including harvesting it from the air and rain. They build a dew tower and a rainwater collection system, using principles like biomimicry and condensation to collect water. Despite initial failures and setbacks, they eventually succeed in collecting water, with the dew tower producing a small amount of water and the rainwater collection system filling up with 170 liters of water. Throughout the experiment, they learn about the importance of water conservation, the impact of climate change on water scarcity, and the need for sustainable solutions to ensure access to clean water. They also highlight successful projects around the world that address water scarcity, such as fog harvesting in refugee tents and locally made water filters. The experiment concludes with a sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for the value of water.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The production team shut off the water supply for the experiment.
2. The hosts, Greg and Mitch, need to find alternative ways to collect water for survival.
3. They aim to collect 2.5 liters of water for drinking, 3 liters for cooking, and 2 liters for bathing.
4. Canadians use an average of 329 liters of water per day, more than most of the world.
5. The water crisis is real, and the world's demand for fresh water will exceed supply in less than 20 years if current consumption patterns continue.
6. Most of the world relies on groundwater or aquifers, which are running out fast.
7. The hosts plan to harvest water from the air, rain, and nearby streams as alternative sources.
8. They use a dew harvester and a rainwater collection system to collect water.
9. The dew harvester is based on the principle of biomimicry, inspired by the Namib beetle's ability to collect water from fog and dew.
10. The rainwater collection system uses eavestroughs and a barrel to collect and store rainwater.
11. The hosts also use a carbon filter to purify water from a nearby stream for drinking.
12. Climate change and drought are forcing animals to seek out new sources of drinking water, increasing the risk of disease-carrying pathogens.
13. Carbon filters may become essential for protecting humans from these pathogens.
14. The carbon filter works by allowing water molecules to pass through while blocking larger particles and contaminants.
15. The hosts' goal is to collect 170 liters of rainwater to use for washing dishes, brushing teeth, and showering.
16. They successfully collect 170 liters of rainwater and use it for their needs.
17. The dew harvester collects a smaller amount of water, but still a significant amount considering the conditions.
18. The hosts reflect on the experience and realize the importance of conserving water and understanding the connection between water and the environment.
19. They plan to implement gray water collection systems and rainwater harvesting on their home and garden.
20. The experiment highlights the need for alternative water collection methods, especially in water-scarce regions.
21. The hosts mention examples of innovative water collection and filtration systems being implemented around the world.