Access to safely managed drinking water (SMDW) remains a global challenge, affecting 2.2 billion people. Solar-driven atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) devices with continuous cycling may offer a solution, but questions remain about their performance due to low specific yields (SY) and low daytime relative humidity (RH). This study assesses the global potential of AWH, finding that it could provide SMDW for a billion people. Using Google Earth Engine, a hypothetical 1-meter-square device is modeled, demonstrating that targets could be met with continued technological development. The tools developed can inform designs maximizing global impact and supporting Sustainable Development Goals.

Jackson Lord, Ashley Thomas, Neil Treat, Matthew Forkin, Robert Bain, Pierre Dulac, Cyrus H. Behroozi, Tilek Mamutov, Jillia Fongheiser, Nicole Kobilansky, Shane Washburn, Claudia Truesdell, Clare Lee, Philipp H. Schmaelzle