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To combat water scarcity, company creates smart tiles that capture, filter and store rainwater

Written by Ruth Rodrigues
Published 15/01/2025 às 22:16
Cactile smart tiles capture, filter and store rainwater, helping to combat water scarcity.
Photo: Cacti

Cactile smart tiles capture, filter and store rainwater, helping to combat water scarcity.

Water is one of the most valuable resources for life and the functioning of cities. However, the balance between excess and water shortage has been a significant challenge in many parts of the world. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, technological innovations have become essential to ensure the efficient use of this essential resource. In this context, the Cactile tiles, a revolutionary solution created to capture, filter and store rainwater, contributing to urban and rural sustainability.

Cactile: How did the idea of ​​tiles that store water come about?

Developed by Jean-Baptiste Landes, a specialist in hydroelectricity and river flow management, the system Cactile was inspired by cacti, plants known for their extraordinary ability to store water even in arid climates.

Cactile tiles to combat water scarcity
Source: Cactile

Just like cacti, smart tiles were designed to capture and retain maximum rainwater, promoting efficient management of this vital resource.

Made from galvanized steel, the tiles offer exceptional durability and resistance to adverse weather conditions.

With an advanced design, they can retain up to 96% of the water that falls on sloping roofs, reducing waste and preventing flooding.

Additionally, the system has inlets designed to prevent debris such as leaves and twigs from passing through, ensuring that only clean water is stored.

Innovative solutions for a sustainable future

The Cactile system integrates functionality and efficiency.

The water collected by the tiles is directed to an integrated reservoir with a storage capacity of up to 40 liters per square meter.

This innovative design allows the technology to be used in new construction and renovations, making it accessible for different types of buildings.

With a total weight of just 60 kg per square meter, including stored water, tiles are a lightweight and viable alternative to other roofing solutions.

This allows its application in both homes and commercial buildings, contributing to water self-sufficiency.

Benefits in everyday life

Adopting the Cactile system offers numerous practical advantages.

For residents, the possibility of storing rainwater reduces water bill costs and reduces dependence on the public supply network.

A collected water can be used for various domestic purposes, such as garden irrigation, cleaning and flushing toilets.

In urban areas, technology also stands out in mitigating the risk of flooding.

Retaining large volumes of rainwater reduces the overload on drainage and sewage systems, preventing flooding on streets and avenues.

Furthermore, the stored water can be used to irrigate green areas, contributing to the reduction of heat islands and promoting a healthier urban environment.

Cactile tiles have an optimized design for maximum water capture

The design of Cactile tiles allows for a practical and quick installation, even in existing buildings.

The system includes automated control to manage the use of stored water, ensuring consumption efficiency.

The absence of electric pumps to transport water is another important difference: the system uses gravity to carry water directly to points of use, such as taps and bathrooms.

This eliminates electricity costs and reduces environmental impact.

With climate change intensifying problems such as prolonged droughts and frequent floods, solutions like Cactile become increasingly relevant.

The ability to capture and reuse rainwater contributes to water security and promotes a more sustainable use of natural resources.

Additionally, the system helps reduce dependence on treated water sources for non-potable uses such as cleaning and irrigation, relieving pressure on water resources and urban infrastructure.

This is especially valuable in regions where water supplies are limited or intermittent.

Cactile tiles are the sustainable solution for the future of cities

The first commercial installations of Cactile tiles are scheduled for 2025, with pilot projects expected by the end of 2024.

Installing Cactile Tiles
Source: Cactile

Until then, the startup responsible for development plans to further improve the system, maximizing its efficiency and expanding its applications.

Combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable design and practical functionality, the Cactile tiles represents a significant advance in stormwater management.

This innovation offers a practical solution to contemporary problems such as water scarcity and flooding, promoting a more balanced and sustainable future.

Adopting technologies like Cactile smart roof tiles is an important step towards addressing today’s environmental challenges.

By capturing and reusing rainwater, reducing waste and mitigating flooding, these tiles not only ensure savings and efficiency, but also contribute to a healthier and more resilient urban environment.

For more information about Cactile tiles, visit the official website by clicking here!

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Fabricio Santos
Fabricio Santos
16/01/2025 07:54

Very interesting

Luiz Michielin Neto
Luiz Michielin Neto
16/01/2025 09:23

The dengue mosquito thanks you!

Ruth Rodrigues

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), she works as a writer and scientific disseminator.

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