Study location and problem
California Park Lake in Chico, CA faced algae bloom issues. LakeTech initiated a lake aeration study to address water quality impacts such as oxygen depletion and potential toxin production during bloom events.
Partners and equipment
LakeTech partnered with SeaFloor Systems for hydrographic survey support and with UC Davis and Kasco Marine for study equipment and expertise. Kasco diffuser pods send compressed air into the water to increase dissolved oxygen and reduce conditions favorable to algae growth.
The legacy page described two UC Davis students helping set up the operation and collect data over several weeks to assess aeration effectiveness.
Proactive management approach
The article frames aeration as proactive environmental management: modifying conditions before blooms require chemical or reactive treatment. If successful, the study could inform similar work at other impaired water bodies.