Summary: The Importance Of Shade Balls

On August 13th in Los Angeles, California, the last of 96 million shade balls were emptied into the 175-acre reservoir located in Sylmar. These floating black balls, measuring four inches in diameter, cover the surface of the water. The purpose of the balls is to protect the drinking water and prevent contamination from factors such as animals and harmful reactive chemicals. Bromide which is already present in the reservoir reacts with chlorine and sun rays to create bromate, a harmful substance to humans. With the shade balls protecting against chemicals, the need to treat the water with chlorine is diminished. The shade balls are filled with eight ounces of water in order for them to maintain position; the blocking of the sun prevents 300 million gallons of water …show more content…
Polluted water is not only dirty but toxic to the human body. Tens of millions if people die and fall ill from water related diseases. It is essential that people continue measures such as the shade balls to promote clean water and reduce chemical waste. Although water is renewable source there is still a finite amount of it on the earth as it goes through its cycles. It is important to not waste water and conserve especially in areas where there is not much precipitation annually. The city of Los Angeles was the first to use shade balls and they will help set the tone for projects in the future devoted to water conservation and cleanliness. The role of Californians would be to be cautious of water use while the role of state officials would be to enforce regulations put out for the good of the state. Other parts of the world being deprived of resources will be impacted and follow in this path of improving the living conditions of their citizens. The dumping of the shade balls has pushed California to taking even more drastic measures to protect their water such as indoor reservoirs and a USD Ultraviolet water treatment