Prospect Park Launches Filtration System For Toxic Algae Blooms

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN — A long-awaited new method of controlling toxic algae blooms that have plagued Prospect Park's waters for years has officially launched in Brooklyn's Backyard.

The new "ecoWEIR" filtration system — which has been in the works for several years but delayed by the coronavirus crisis — was unveiled on Friday at the Prospect Park Dog Beach, where it will be tested as a pilot program.

The system comes after years of parkgoers' concerns about the blue-green algae blooms, or cyanobacteria, which can sicken people or animals who touch or ingest it.

"The innovative ecoWEIR pilot program is a fantastic way to help manage the harmful [algae] blooms that pose a threat to pets and humans alike," Parks Commissioner Mitchel J. Silver said. "...Efforts like this help make our parks safer and more environmentally sustainable for generations to come."

The natural filtration system is designed by Brooklyn College Professor Jennifer Cherrier and helps remove nutrients from the park's watercourse that cause the toxic algae blooms. It is the first pilot program of its kind in an urban park, according to the Alliance.

Prospect Park's lake, pools, waterfalls and streams are fed by the New York City water supply, which includes phosphates that make the water safe to drink. The phosphates lead to excessive algae growth and produce the blue-green algae blooms, particularly in the summer months.

Officials plan to monitor the filtration system through December 2021 and say it can be expanded to parks nationwide if it is a success.

It is funded through a $390,000 grant from the state