SIU installs solar fountain to control Campus Lake bacteria

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — A solar panel-powered fountain has been installed in Campus Lake at Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports engineering students designed the fountain as part of a project aimed at preventing the growth of harmful algal blooms. The effort comes after SIU eradicated cyanobacteria from the lake in 2016 after a massive cleanup. However if left unchecked the bacteria will start growing again.

The fountain helps because aeration hinders growth of the bacteria. A team of five mechanical engineers and one electrical engineer designed and built the fountain over two semesters.

The fountain is a floating dock with a battery inside, solar panels on top and a submersible pump that propels the spray of water.

Photo Gallery