What happened to the shade balls in LA?

Since shade balls have stayed on the Los Angeles Reservoir since 2015, they are likely now starting to save more water than they cost to produce. The LA Department of Water and Power said they plan to keep shade balls as a permanent solution to water quality issues on the Los Angeles, replacing them every 10 years.

Do shade balls really work?

According to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), shade balls could keep contaminants out of the water and reduce the evaporation of the reservoir by 85 to 90 percent during a drought.

How much does a shade ball cost?

On the contrary, each shade ball was placed at a cost of 36 cents, making the total cost of the Los Angeles Aqueduct project approximately $34.5 million. The shade balls will also prevent the annual loss to evaporation of about 300 million gallons of water.

Can you buy shade balls?

Microdyne Plastics designed and engineered the process for to create a high quality, durable shade ball that will last for many years in the sun at an economical price. The plastic UV additive along with the black color will keep the balls from deteriorating in the open while reflecting the sun’s rays.

Why are shade balls black?

The shade balls used in the Los Angeles project are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with carbon black additive to protect the plastic from ultraviolet radiation. Adding carbon black also prevents the formation of bromate, a suspected human carcinogen.

What are the drawbacks of using shade balls?

This is alongside other potentially negative effects on the water, such as affecting life in the reservoir or promoting bacterial growth. In addition, the balls’ production could have negative effects on the environment associated with water pollution or carbon emissions.

How long do shade balls last?

10 years
The shade balls have a lifespan of 10 years (they were deployed for about 15 percent of that time), and are made of recyclable plastic, so they can go on to be reused for other purposes.

Who invented shade balls?

Dobaria and Bajaria emphasize that they did not invent shade balls. That distinction belongs to Brian White, a now-retired DWP biologist who based the idea on “bird balls,” which are found in ponds along runways.

Can you swim in black balls?

So, can you swim in shade balls? To be clear, the suppliers definitely do NOT recommend that you swim in these balls. That’s because unlike regular balls, they’re half filled with water so they’re extra heavy and extra dangerous.

Why are shade balls black instead of white?

Why are the balls black? These balls are heat absorbing black instead of light reflecting white because their purpose is not to keep the reservoir cool but to provide shade. White balls would allow some light to pass through. While black balls are completely opaque and as such provide the best shade coverage.

What are black shade balls?

Shade balls are made from high-density polyethylene, otherwise known as plastic. They are black, typically about 10 inches in diameter, and designed to reduce evaporation by 80 or 90 percent by providing shade from the sun, though that wasn’t always their purpose, according to the Toronto Star.

Can ‘shade balls’ save Los Angeles from the worst drought in history?

City officials hope millions of “shade balls” released into the Los Angeles Reservoir will save water in the midst of the worst drought in California history. On Monday Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti supervised the latest onslaught of 4-inch black plastic balls, bringing the total count to 96 million in the 175-acre reservoir.

How do shade balls protect La’s drinking water?

The project started in 2008, and today all four of the city’s reservoirs use shade balls, which protect L.A.’s drinking water by preventing sunlight-triggered chemical reactions, deterring birds and other wildlife, and protecting water from rain and wind-blown dust. The shade balls also reduce evaporation by 85 to 90 percent.

Why did La Release 96 million black balls into Los Angeles reservoir?

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power released 96 million black shade balls into the Los Angeles Reservoir to reduce evaporation and deter algal growth.

Why are there shade balls around La’s airports?

The idea for L.A.’s shade balls came when a now-retired LADWP biologist learned about the application of “bird balls” in ponds along airfield runways. Airports have detention basins to collect stormwater runoff. As the ponds fill up, they attract birds. So airports float the balls on the ponds to keep the birds off.