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Water Conservation Project with Shadeballs

 In February 2024 CCNRD started a pilot project to measure water savings from installing shadeballs in stock tanks. Shadeballs have been used by producers in the southwest and parts of Wyoming to reduce evaporative losses, reduce algal growth and clogging, and to moderate water temperatures in summer and winter seasons. Tanks are being monitored for activity and measured weekly for water loss.

If you are interested in learning more about this project and potential cost-share assistance to install shadeballs, stop by the USDA Service Center or give us a call!

 

Two large blue kiddie pools filled with black balls outside, possibly for evaporation control. Image is sideways.
Tanks on February 26, 2024 at the start of the project.

 

Blue plastic kiddie pools with water, black balls in one pool, and nearby orange plastic fencing rolled up on grass.
Tanks on April 24, 2024 showing water loss in the tank without shadeballs.  140 gallons  was added to refill this tank.
Two large blue kiddie pools; one empty, one filled with black spheres. Grass and a chain-link fence visible.
Tanks on August 5, 2024.  The shadeball tank has maintained it's water level while the open tank will need to be refilled again. 
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