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Los Angeles Uses Shade Balls to Conserve Reservoir Water

Black plastic spheres known as shade balls are being deployed in four Los Angeles reservoirs as part of a $34 million project to protect the regional water supply from evaporation as well as contamination.

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Workers cut open bags of WaterSavr, an evaporation suppressant, to apply the powder to Lake Arrowhead. WaterSavr's manufacturers claim it will save 30 percent of water that would have otherwise evaporated from the reservoir.
Credit: Neena Satija

Black plastic spheres known as shade balls are being deployed in four Los Angeles reservoirs as part of a $34 million project to protect the regional water supply from evaporation as well as contamination. The black carbon coating the spheres, which are partially filled with water, prevent sunlight from penetrating them. (CNBC)

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