I've been researching
yakchals . They have been used in Persia for a long time. I want to try something like this is Joshua Tree, CA someday.
They use cooling towers as well. The moisture (even in dry climates) will cool rapidly as it travels down the tower, before condensing on the inside of the yakchal. It eventually will help to replenish groundwater and can be captured as well. The base of the yackchals can get so cold that it can keep food at near-freezing temps.