Plastic coating for reservoirs helps conserve California's water supply

There is much concern about plastic in the oceans and the detrimental effect it is having on marine life. However, in a twist to the combination of the material and water, millions of plastic balls deposited into Californian reservoirs are having a significant benefit in reducing water loss from high evaporation rates.

With one of its worst droughts during the last four years in California, demand for fresh water has never been higher, and supply has been hit by lack of spring snow melt and shortfalls in spring and autumn rains. So preserving the water that is available has become a higher priority. A novel strategy has been used at the Sylmar reservoir in the state, with 96 million plastic balls being released to float on the water surface. Not only are they expected to save 300 million gallons of water evaporating each year into the dry desert air, they cut down on toxins developing in the water supply as a result of UV reaction with the water and the growth of algal blooms.

A Guardian picture report of the cost-effective way to reduce water loss and ensure water security for California's water-users can be seen here with a video clip below.