14 DAY TRIAL // Access to clean, fresh water is quite a problem for people living in semi-arid areas in Africa. One simple solution for this issue is the use of so-called rainchutes, which are best described as a lightweight, low-cost, portable water harvesting system.
In case anyone was wondering, these rainchutes are basically repurposed parachutes.
According to the folks at PITCHAfrica and ATOPIAResearch who helped develop them, they are quite effective when it comes to collecting drinking water for people living in Africa.
“In areas where rainfall is around 600mm annually, as it is on two-thirds of African continent, one standard decommissioned Vietnam era Parachute can harvest 25,000 liters of water annually.”
“This is equivalent to 70 liters every day year round and is enough to provide water for 14 people a day when coupled with basic water storage and filtration systems,” the rainchutes' manufacturers explain, as cited by Tree Hugger.
Interestingly enough, the rainchutes also serve to educate local kids about water harvesting, the same source details.