Extracting Water From Air: A Historical And Military Perspective

By Jim Lauria

In the early 2000s, I was consulting for a military contractor on expanding their mobile water treatment system for military applications. As part of that work, I researched other water supply technologies used by the U.S. military, including atmospheric water generation (AWG) — the process of extracting potable water directly from the air.

Fast forward to today, and my interest in AWG has been reignited by a recent back-and-forth discussion between my friend Christopher Gasson of Global Water Intelligence and numerous AWG proponents. The debate centers on the feasibility and scalability of AWG as an effective water supply solution, particularly in light of energy consumption, air quality concerns, and real-world deployment.

Given my background in water treatment and military applications, I wanted to take a deep dive into the history, military use, and challenges of extracting water from air.

Ancient And Traditional Methods

Dew and Fog Collection

Long before modern technology, civilizations understood that water could be passively harvested from the air.

• The Incas, Persians, and North African Berbers used stone dew collectors to capture condensation overnight.
• In fog-prone regions, such as the Atacama Desert and Morocco, indigenous communities learned to trap moisture using tree branches and cacti, an early version of today’s fog nets.

Air Wells and Passive Water Harvesting

• In the early 1900s, Belgian engineer Achille Knapen built an air well, a stone structure that encouraged moisture condensation in arid regions.
• Similar designs were found in Europe and the Middle East, where passive water harvesting played a crucial role in sustaining populations.

Industrial And Technological Advances In AWG

Refrigeration and Condensation-Based AWG

The advent of refrigeration and dehumidification in the early 20th century made it possible to mechanically condense water from the air.

• World War II military experiments explored AWG’s potential, though the technology was still energy-intensive.
• By the late 20th century, commercial AWG machines began using desiccants and heat exchangers to improve efficiency.

The U.S. Military’s Role In Advancing AWG

My work in military water treatment made it clear that logistics drive innovation and nowhere is that more evident than in combat zones. Providing reliable, on-site water sources reduces the cost and risk of transporting bottled water or relying on vulnerable supply lines. That’s why AWG has been a focus for the U.S. military for decades.

1. Early Military Interest

• During the Gulf War (1991), U.S. forces in desert environments needed on-site water production.
• By the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (2000s), the military tested AWG at forward operating bases (FOBs) to reduce reliance on water convoys, which were frequent targets of enemy attacks.

2. Modern Military Deployments

• DARPA and the U.S. Army Research Lab have been funding next-gen AWG research, focusing on energy-efficient water extraction.
• The U.S. Marine Corps deployed Watergen AWG units capable of producing potable water in desert conditions.
• The Air Force and Special Forces have tested solar-powered AWG systems for emergency water supply.
• The latest advancements include metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which enable AWG to work even in extremely dry air (10% humidity or lower).

3. Why the Military Uses AWG

• Reduces reliance on vulnerable water supply convoys.
• Provides a reliable water source for troops in remote locations.
• Supports disaster relief missions (e.g., after hurricanes or in humanitarian crises).

Challenges Of Extracting Water From Air

Despite its advantages, AWG is not without its technical and environmental challenges. One of the biggest concerns — both in military and civilian applications — is air quality.

1. Contaminants in Atmospheric Water

When you pull water from the air, you’re also pulling in whatever else is in that air:

• Dust and smoke: Particularly problematic in arid or wildfire-prone regions.
• Biological contaminants: Mold spores, bacteria, and viruses can be present.
• Chemical pollutants: VOCs (volatile organic compounds), industrial emissions, and acidic gases can impact water quality.

2. How AWG Systems Ensure Water Safety

Modern AWG units mitigate these risks with advanced filtration and purification:

• Prefiltration of air: HEPA and carbon filters remove dust, pollen, and airborne contaminants.
• Water purification: UV sterilization, ozone treatment, and reverse osmosis eliminate biological threats.
• Automated cleaning and maintenance: Prevents microbial buildup inside the system.

The Future Of AWG: Practical Applications And Scalability

As water scarcity, climate change, and disaster preparedness become global priorities, AWG continues to evolve.

• Solar-powered AWG: Reduces energy dependence, making off-grid water production feasible.
• AI-optimized AWG systems: Sensors and machine learning adjust water production based on climate and demand.
• Civilian applications inspired by military research: Lessons from military deployments are shaping commercial AWG systems for use in homes, businesses, and emergency response.

Final Thoughts: The AWG Debate And Its Place In Water Security

My research in the early 2000s introduced me to AWG as a military solution, a way to reduce logistical risks and provide water on demand in the harshest environments. Today, the debate surrounding AWG’s role in civilian water supply is intensifying.

While skeptics like Chris Gasson argue that AWG is energy-intensive and impractical at scale, proponents see it as a crucial tool for water security in drought-stricken regions, disaster zones, and off-grid communities. The truth likely lies somewhere in between: AWG won’t replace traditional water infrastructure, but in the right conditions, it can be a game-changer.

However, it is critical to analyze the total lifecycle costs of any AWG installation. That includes the capital cost of the equipment, installation cost, and especially the operating costs over the expected service life. These operating costs aren’t just about energy consumption; they also involve consumables like filters, scheduled maintenance, and rigorous bio-contamination controls. Without ongoing attention to these factors, water quality and system reliability can quickly degrade, particularly in environments where air quality is already compromised.

One thing is certain: extracting water from air has come a long way from ancient dew collectors to modern military deployments. As technology improves, efficiencies increase, and the true costs are better understood, AWG may yet carve out its place as a viable — if niche — solution to the world’s growing water challenges.