PROJECTS
Our work to help Lake Merritt
The Aeration Fountains: In 1995, the Lake Merritt Institute installed the first aeration fountain at Lake Merritt. Funds were raised by former chairperson Winn Walsh, including a grant from the Strong Foundation. The unit was located at the Trestle Glen arm of the Lake, behind the barrier encompassing the outfalls of storm drains 6, 7 and 8. It was donated to the City of Oakland and maintained by the Institute. After several renovations, this fountain was moved to the end of the Glen Echo arm.
In 1999, generous donations by Andrew K. C. and Magdalene Wong provided for the installation of two new fountains. They are located at the end of the Trestle Glen arm, and at the Bandstand Cove. A bronze plaque, in both English and Chinese, honors their generosity near the dock by the Bandstand Beach.
These popular fountains add oxygen to the water, improving water quality in the area around each unit. They also provide aesthetic enhancement. Maintenance is provided by the Lake Merritt Institute, including frequent power washing to remove barnacle, mussels, tubeworms et cetera. Membership contributions are an important component of our ability to maintain the fountains. View detail for each fountain >>
Oxygen PaperIn May of 1999 the US Environmental Protection Agency listed Lake Merritt as a body of water whose beneficial uses were impaired by low levels of dissolved oxygen. This white paper provides information on: Why oxygen is important to the Lake; Why the Lake was listed; and What can be done to improve the situation.
Water Level Control and Tidal Flows
This document discusses the historical and present level of tidal control, and the implications for the Lake. Recommendations for improvement are presented.
THE AERATION FOUNTAINS
The 18th Street Fountain
The 18th Street aeration fountain was installed in November, 2003 with funds provided by Andrew K.C. and Magdalene Wong. It was built by Aqua Control, Inc. and incorporates several new design features and improvements, including high grade stainless steel and heavy, bronze lights which resist corrosion. For the holiday season, it is decorated with green and red lights. Mr. David Coy of the Institute has been trained as a fountain technician by Aqua Control. Mr. Jim Montgomery, a retired electrician, provides technical support in keeping the unit operating properly.
The Embarcadero Fountain
The 3 horsepower "Tornado" unit is designed for maximum aeration and is located at the confluence of the lake's three largest storm drain outfalls, where drainage from over 2,000 acres is funneled into the lake here by pipes up to six feet across. The fountain brings oxygen to the water to compensate for the decay of leaves and other organic matter from these storm drains. As a result, odors are reduced and marine life is not subject to oxygen deprivation.
The Bandstand Beach Fountain
Shallow water in this cove requires a side intake fountain. This 3 horsepower unit graces the newly renovated Bandstand and surrounding area with its high central jet and elegant circular spray.
The Glen Echo Fountain
Donated to the City in 1995, this fountain is of an outdated design. It requires an intake screen with small openings, and is thus subject to clogging. The motor is not designed for salt water, and must be replaced frequently. It uses an impeller, which is prone to jamming by small objects.
At the request of the Office of Public Works, this fountain was not operating as of January, 2004 pending resolution of who will pay the electric bills for the meter to which it is connected.
Measure DD includes 4.5 million dollars for “aeration.” The Institute has proposed that approximately $10,000 of this be used to replace the Glen Echo fountain with a new unit, similar to the 18th Street fountain.
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