Millions of "Shadeballs" Dropped In Reservoir

Modern advancement has put a stressful pressure on the environment and could possibly endanger both human and animal lives. However, innovations are also the reason why this planet continues to strive in giving life and sustenance to its natural and unnatural dwellers.

One of these environmental innovations is called 'shadeballs' which can be seen covering the surface of the Los Angeles Reservoir.

On 10 August 2015, the last 20,000 of a total of 96 million 'shadeballs' were rolled into a reservoir in Los Angeles, NPR reports.

The black plastic balls are used as a cheaper alternative to tarps, which would normally be used to accomplish two main goals: 1. keep algae out, and 2. keep the water in.

The balls also help block the formation of cancer-causing agents called carcinogens, which can develop when sunlight reacts with certain chemicals in the water.

The covering of the reservoir's surface is expected to save about 300 million gallons of water every year, according to NPR, and is part of California's latest attempt to avoid worsening its ongoing four-year drought.

The total cost for the deployment of the shadeballs amounts to US$ 34.5 million.

According to Bloomberg, the four-inch-wide shadeballs are coated with a UV-light blocking chemical.

They're hollow and filled with water to keep them from flying away. Each one costs around US$0.36 to make.