The United Nations and other governing bodies are looking for ways to improve the global water crisis. Over a third of the world lacks access to clean water and water itself is becoming scarcer due to climate change. However, to save the future, officials are considering using water distribution methods of the past.

India has been able to provide water for drinking and agriculture for its people through baolis, a.k.a. step wells. The water is essentially collected and pulled from an underground reservoir that collects both groundwater and rainwater. Kenya is using ancient water harvesting techniques using sand dams to collect water and prevent evaporation. These methods could be the key to providing safe water for everyone depending on their region. For more on how ancient techniques could help today’s water issues, click here:: The three wonder of the ancient world solving modern water problems