DESIGN CHALLENGES
Several unique characteristics of the ponds at Sweet Springs presented us with some design challenges/considerations.
- A small channel connects the two ponds to nearby Morro Bay Estuary. As a result, the water levels in the ponds fluctuate in accordance with the tidal movements of Morro Bay. The smaller pond of the two serves as a saltwater intrusion barrier, which helps to minimize brackish conditions in the main pond.
- The pond is heavily shaded year round by eucalyptus trees.
- Any treatment device designed must blend in with the surrounding environment.
- Biofilms often take several weeks to grow, which eliminates the possibility of testing our prototype for water treatment effectiveness given the short duration of this course.