Cleanup and Restoration of Lake Merritt
Because storm drains in downtown Oakland and surrounding areas drain directly into the lake, trash and nutrient pollution have become the largest problems affecting Lake Merritt. Increased levels of chemicals like nitrogen and phosphorus cause algae blooms, which deplete the water of oxygen. The fountains provide oxygen to about an acre around each one. A proposed aeration system was never approved by the City of Oakland. Trash removal is coordinated by the non-profit Lake Merritt Institute under contract with the City of Oakland. Regular Saturday and Tuesday volunteers, the Peralta Service Corporation (part of the Unity Council), St. Paul's Episcopal School, and HandsOn Bay Area have been cleaning the trash since 1997. Schoolchildren and their science teachers volunteer by cleaning the lake with nets.
The Institute sponsors clean ups five days a week during the school year and four days a week during the summer. Individuals can also work alone using the four "U-Clean-It" boxes maintained by the Institute. About 1,000 to 5,000 pounds of trash are removed monthly.
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