Using 'shade balls' in reservoirs may use up more water than they save
July 16, 2018, Imperial College London
Preventing reservoir evaporation during droughts with floating balls may not help conserve water overall, due to the water needed to make the balls.
During droughts, communities may rely on water stored in reservoirs. However, significant amounts of water can evaporate from the surface of the reservoir.
Amid California's latest drought, which lasted from 2011-2017, 96 million 'shade balls' were deployed on the Los Angeles reservoir. These floating, black plastic balls cover the water surface to prevent evaporation.
Read more at:
https://phys.org/news/2018-07-balls-reservoirs.html#jCp
