#drought and technology

[casualhydraheretic]

Can the Cloud Survive a Water Crisis?

As water stress intensifies, data centers’ immense cooling demands are clashing with local survival needs. From court battles to new regulations, discover why the future of digital infrastructure may depend on water access.

Read more: https://dcpulse.com/article/data-centers-water-scarcity-digital-growth

[reasonsforhope]

"When a severe water shortage hit the Indian city of Kozhikode in the state of Kerala, a group of engineers turned to science fiction to keep the taps running.

Like everyone else in the city, engineering student Swapnil Shrivastav received a ration of two buckets of water a day collected from India’s arsenal of small water towers.

It was a ‘watershed’ moment for Shrivastav, who according to the BBC had won a student competition four years earlier on the subject of tackling water scarcity, and armed with a hypothetical template from the original Star Wars films, Shrivastav and two partners set to work harvesting water from the humid air.

“One element of inspiration was from Star Wars where there’s an air-to-water device. I thought why don’t we give it a try? It was more of a curiosity project,” he told the BBC.

According to ‘Wookiepedia’ a ‘moisture vaporator’ is a device used on moisture farms to capture water from a dry planet’s atmosphere, like Tatooine, where protagonist Luke Skywalker grew up.

This fictional device functions according to Star Wars lore by coaxing moisture from the air by means of refrigerated condensers, which generate low-energy ionization fields. Captured water is then pumped or gravity-directed into a storage cistern that adjusts its pH levels. Vaporators are capable of collecting 1.5 liters of water per day.

Pictured: Moisture vaporators on the largely abandoned Star Wars film set of Mos Espa, in Tunisia

If science fiction authors could come up with the particulars of such a device, Shrivastav must have felt his had a good chance of succeeding. He and colleagues Govinda Balaji and Venkatesh Raja founded Uravu Labs, a Bangalore-based startup in 2019.

Their initial offering is a machine that converts air to water using a liquid desiccant. Absorbing moisture from the air, sunlight or renewable energy heats the desiccant to around 100°F which releases the captured moisture into a chamber where it’s condensed into drinking water.

The whole process takes 12 hours but can produce a staggering 2,000 liters, or about 500 gallons of drinking-quality water per day. [Note: that IS staggering! That's huge!!] Uravu has since had to adjust course due to the cost of manufacturing and running the machines—it’s just too high for civic use with current materials technology.

“We had to shift to commercial consumption applications as they were ready to pay us and it’s a sustainability driver for them,” Shrivastav explained. This pivot has so far been enough to keep the start-up afloat, and they produce water for 40 different hospitality clients.

Looking ahead, Shrivastav, Raja, and Balaji are planning to investigate whether the desiccant can be made more efficient; can it work at a lower temperature to reduce running costs, or is there another material altogether that might prove more cost-effective?

They’re also looking at running their device attached to data centers in a pilot project that would see them utilize the waste heat coming off the centers to heat the desiccant."

-via Good News Network, May 30, 2024

[pale-blue-home]

🌾🍚🧬 A new strain of rice offers hope for drought-stricken communities in Chile! Chilean scientists are trialing the “Jaspe” rice strain, described as more environmentally conscious, “less-thirsty,” and “climate-smart.” Trials have also proven the strain to be high-yield with the right growing method, producing nearly ten times more than a conventional rice field!

[sintropicaconsultoria-blog]

Um de nossos eixos de pesquisa são a elaboração de gifs de series temporais em NDVI ao longo do um ano para analises ambientais, no exemplo acima estuda-se o quanto o deserto de gobi da china avança e recua ao longo de um ano.

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Now is the time to shape Saskatoon’s climate future—together. The City is updating its climate action strategies, and your voice matters. From smoky skies to summer heatwaves and flash floods, we’re all feeling the impacts of a changing climate. This short, 9-minute survey is your chance to share how climate change is affecting you and what actions you believe the City should prioritize. Whether…

[farmerstrend]

Modern Farming Machines Bring Hope to Tseikuru Farmers

Three farmers’ groups in Tseikuru Sub-county, Mwingi North, have received modern farming machinery valued at Sh3.5 million, courtesy of the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA). The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency in the region. Speaking during the handover, Kitui NDMA Coordinator Francis Koma emphasized that the equipment would significantly improve…

[inspectorspacetimerevisited]

The Nari reveals that the reason she (in the form of Mrs. Drought) released Reynold Wolf from his captivity was to allow him to believe that he was creating a ‘perfect’ world using a human child that apparently has powers beyond anything anyone on Earth could have.

So, the baby was not actually human, despite her supposed birth to a Ukrainian woman in 1756? And, Reynold’s perfect world is one in which technology is from before he was born?

[reasonsforhope]

"Namibia is the driest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, and home to two of the world’s most ancient deserts, the Kalahari and the Namib. The capital, Windhoek, is sandwiched between them, 400 miles away from the nearest perennial river and more than 300 miles away from the coast. Water is in short supply.

It’s hard to imagine life thriving in Windhoek, yet 477,000 people call it home, and 99 per cent of them have access to drinking water thanks to technology pioneered 55 years ago on the outskirts of the city. Now, some of the world’s biggest cities are embracing this technology as they adapt to the harshest impacts of climate change. But Namibia leads the way.

How did this come about? In the 1950s, Windhoek’s natural resources struggled to cope with a rapidly growing population, and severe water shortages gripped the city. But disaster forced innovation, and in 1968 the Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant in Windhoek became the first place in the world to produce drinking water directly from sewage, a process known as direct potable reuse (DPR). 

That may sound revolting, but it’s completely safe. Dr Lucas van Vuuren, who was among those who pioneered Windhoek’s reclamation system, once said that “water should not be judged by its history, but by its quality”. And DPR ensures quality. 

This is done using a continuous multi-barrier treatment devised in Windhoek during eight years of pilot studies in the 1960s. This process – which has been upgraded four times since 1968 – eliminates pollutants and safeguards against pathogens by harnessing bacteria to digest the human waste and remove it from the water. This partly mimics what happens when water is recycled in nature, but Windhoek does it all in under 24 hours...

Pictured: These ultrafiltration membranes help to remove bacteria, viruses and pathogens. Image: Margaret Courtney-Clarke

“We know that we have antibiotics in the water, preservatives from cosmetics, anti-corrosion prevention chemicals from the dishwasher,” Honer explains. “We find them and we remove them.”

Honer adds that online instruments monitor the water continuously, and staff ensure that only drinking water that meets World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines is sent to homes. If any inconsistencies are detected, the plant goes into recycle mode and distribution is halted until correct values are restored. 

“The most important rule is, and was, and always will be ‘safety first’,” says Honer.  The facility has never been linked to an outbreak of waterborne disease, and now produces up to 5.5m gallons of drinking water every day – up to 35 per cent of the city’s consumption.

Namibians couldn’t survive without it, and as water shortages grip the planet, Windhoek’s insights and experience are more important than ever.

Interest from superpowers across the globe

In recent years, delegations from the US, France, Germany, India, Australia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates have visited Windhoek seeking solutions to water shortages in their own countries. 

Megadrought conditions have gripped the US since 2001, and the Colorado River – which provides 40 million people with drinking water – has been running at just 50 per cent of its traditional flow. As a result, several states including Texas, California, Arizona and Colorado are beginning to embrace DPR.

Troy Walker is a water reuse practice leader at Hazen and Sawyer, an environmental engineering firm helping Arizona to develop its DPR regulations. He visited Windhoek last year. “It was about being able to see the success of their system, and then looking at some of the technical details and how that might look in a US facility or an Australian facility,” he said. “[Windhoek] has helped drive a lot of discussion in industry. [Innovation] doesn’t all have to come out of California or Texas.”

Pictured: The internal pipes and workings of Namibia's DPR plant. As water becomes scarcer in some parts, countries are looking to DPR for solutions. Image: Margaret Courtney-Clarke

Namibia has also helped overcome the biggest obstacle to DPR – public acceptance. Disgust is a powerful emotion, and sensationalist ‘toilet to tap’ headlines have dismantled support for water reuse projects in the past. Unfortunately, DPR’s biggest strength is also its biggest weakness, as the speed at which water can re-enter the system makes it especially vulnerable to prejudice, causing regulators to hesitate. “Technology has never been the reason why these projects don’t get built – it’s always public or political opposition,” says Patsy Tennyson, vice president of Katz and Associates, an American firm that specialises in public outreach and communications.

That’s why just a handful of facilities worldwide are currently doing DPR, with Windhoek standing alongside smaller schemes in the Philippines, South Africa and a hybrid facility in Big Spring, Texas. But that’s all changing. Drought and increased water scarcity worldwide are forcing us to change the way we think about water. 

Now, the US is ready to take the plunge, and in 2025, El Paso Water will begin operating the first ‘direct to distribution’ DPR facility in North America, turning up to 10m gallons of wasterwater per day into purified drinking water – twice as much as Windhoek. San Diego, Los Angeles, California, as well as Phoenix, Arizona are also exploring the technology."

Of course, DPR is not a silver bullet in the fight against climate change. It cannot create water out of thin air, and it will not facilitate endless growth. But it does help cities become more climate resilient by reducing their reliance on natural sources, such as the Colorado River. 

As other nations follow in Namibia’s footsteps, Windhoek may no longer take the lead after almost six decades in front.

“But Windhoek was the first,” Honer reminds me. “No one can take that away.”"

-via Positive.News, August 30, 2023

[asestimationsconsultants]

Including Smart Irrigation and Landscaping in Estimates Through a Residential Estimating Service

Modern homeowners increasingly understand that the exterior of a home is just as important as its structure. Landscaping enhances curb appeal, increases property value, and improves the functionality of outdoor spaces. But as water conservation and smart technology become priorities, landscaping is evolving. Smart irrigation systems, native plant selections, and automated water management features are now staples in sustainable outdoor design. Accurately budgeting for these additions can be complex, which is why a residential estimating service plays a critical role.

Bringing Outdoor Features into the Budget Conversation

Traditionally, landscaping has been left as a post-construction concern, often handled without a dedicated budget. This oversight can lead to either unplanned overspending or underwhelming results. A residential estimating service helps ensure landscaping is part of the overall construction financial plan from the beginning.

Incorporating smart irrigation systems and advanced landscaping features early in the estimate allows homeowners to balance indoor and outdoor priorities. This holistic approach ensures aesthetic goals and environmental performance do not come at the expense of structural necessities—or vice versa.

What Smart Irrigation Really Costs

Smart irrigation goes far beyond a simple sprinkler system. These systems use sensors, weather data, and automated schedules to reduce water use, minimize runoff, and adapt to seasonal conditions. However, costs can vary widely based on system size, control features, and integration with other smart home systems.

A residential estimating service can provide detailed pricing on components like moisture sensors, weather-based controllers, zone-specific valves, Wi-Fi-enabled timers, and mobile app integration. Labor costs for trenching, installation, and setup are also factored in, preventing surprise expenses. This ensures that even tech-savvy homeowners understand the full financial picture of going green with their irrigation.

Regional Considerations and Water Efficiency Standards

Smart irrigation systems must comply with local codes, water usage regulations, and environmental conditions. Arid regions, for instance, may require drought-tolerant planting schemes and more advanced water-saving systems than wetter climates.

A residential estimating service provides region-specific guidance, estimating the cost of compliant systems and efficient plant choices tailored to the local climate. These professionals may also include optional items like rain sensors, greywater systems, or underground drip lines, giving homeowners a range of budget-friendly and high-efficiency choices.

Landscaping Materials and Planting Costs

The costs of landscaping materials—mulch, soil amendments, sod, decorative rock, lighting, and planting beds—can be difficult to calculate without professional help. Likewise, the selection and size of trees, shrubs, and perennials impact pricing significantly.

Residential estimating services rely on updated pricing data and supplier networks to give accurate material costs. They also factor in plant density, growth spacing, and maintenance requirements to prevent over-purchasing or underplanting. This level of accuracy supports not only aesthetics but long-term plant health and sustainability.

Incorporating Hardscapes and Outdoor Living Elements

Smart landscaping doesn’t stop with plants and sprinklers. Many homeowners also want patios, retaining walls, walkways, fire pits, or water features. These elements require permits, excavation, grading, and sometimes structural reinforcements, all of which have costs that can fluctuate based on site conditions.

Estimating services can provide full hardscape budgets, including labor and material estimates for pavers, stone, concrete, and lighting. When included in the early estimate, homeowners are more likely to complete these features rather than delay or eliminate them due to unexpected costs.

Labor and Seasonal Pricing Adjustments

Landscaping is labor-intensive, and costs can rise during peak seasons or in high-demand regions. A residential estimating service accounts for these labor fluctuations and helps homeowners time their landscaping projects for maximum value.

For example, if a project is planned for early spring—when landscapers are most in demand—the service may suggest scheduling installations earlier or later to reduce labor costs. Similarly, off-season planting or phased installations can be incorporated into the budget to distribute expenses more manageably.

Energy and Maintenance Savings as Budget Considerations

Smart irrigation and sustainable landscaping aren’t just about water savings—they also reduce utility bills, prevent erosion, and lower maintenance needs over time. Estimating services can include projected operational savings alongside installation costs, helping homeowners see the financial payoff of environmentally friendly upgrades.

This transparency supports better decision-making and offers a long-term view on return on investment. By comparing traditional systems with smart alternatives, the service ensures homeowners make informed, cost-effective choices.

Transparency for Homeowners and Builders

Builders also benefit from having a clear, well-structured estimate for landscaping and irrigation. It minimizes confusion during bidding and avoids last-minute changes. A residential estimating service provides both homeowner and builder with the same detailed scope, improving communication and reducing disputes.

The estimate may also include optional upgrades, such as low-voltage lighting or app-controlled irrigation zones, so homeowners can make decisions based on evolving preferences without derailing the project timeline.

Conclusion

Smart irrigation and thoughtful landscaping are no longer luxury additions—they are vital parts of modern residential design. Including them in the initial construction estimate ensures they are prioritized, funded, and executed properly. A residential estimating service makes this possible by providing accurate, detailed, and regionally informed budgets for these often-overlooked components. The result is a home that’s not only beautiful and functional on the outside, but also environmentally smart and financially responsible from the ground up.

[umangharyana]

मौसम को मात देने वाली किस्में: उन्नत बीजों से किसानों की उपज बढ़ाने की योजना

Ministry of agriculture: जलवायु परिवर्तन के असर के चलते मौसम में आए बदलाव ने कृषि क्षेत्र को खासा प्रभावित किया है। बारिश के अनियमित पैटर्न, अत्यधिक गर्मी और ठंड, तथा सूखा और बाढ़ जैसी घटनाओं ने किसानों के लिए बहुत सी चुनौतियाँ उत्पन्न की हैं। इन परिस्थितियों से निपटने के लिए सरकार ने एक बड़ी पहल शुरू की है, जिसमें गेहूं और अन्य फसलों की उन्नत किस्मों पर विशेष ध्यान दिया जा रहा है। प्रधानमंत्री…

[scientificinquirer-blog]

Combining satellite methods provides drought detection from space

Observing sites like the Amazon basin from space has underscored the capability of satellites to better detect signs of drought, according to a new study. Led by Military University of Technology Poland and Griffith University, the researchers combined two advance satellite-based methods to improve monitoring of hydrological droughts. Advance satellite-based methods, such as the Global…

[sintropicaconsultoria-blog]

Ambrosia Consultoria é uma empresa focada em soluções ambientais e agrícolas, fundada pelo estudante Renan, a nossa missão é trabalhar para um futuro mais sustentável vendendo um produto simples e bem feito. Vendemos soluções ambientais para empresas, modelos agrícolas de produção, consultoria, mapas, sites, índices e gráficos, além de auxiliar a pesquisa cientifica.

[tornadoquest]

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For July 20 - 27, 2024 #science #weather #climate #hurricane #drought #wildfire #heatsafety

Greetings everybody! Thanks so much for visiting. The tropical Atlantic is quiet for now due to Saharan dust and unfavorable upper air patterns, but that will change in the coming weeks. There’s no time like this present to get prepared for a tropical storm or hurricane. I’ve plenty of hurricane preparedness information for you. I’ll also continue our overview of summer heat safety. As usual,…

[indianahal]

Can our military actually affect conditions in the environment and bring about weather modification?  Modification technique research has actually been going on for many decades in the U.S..  Be it for strategic reasons, environmentally improved conditions, to including possible nefarious purposes, the U.S. seems to have developed modification tools that a lot of people are curious about.  My latest video, "Have Military Environmental Modification Programs Really Impacted Our Lives?"