Stymied by an algae bloom at Ferril Lake in City Park, the city of Denver on Wednesday resorted to trying to suck the gunk out with sewer vacuums.
The city has tried for weeks to remove a layer of algae that has covered much of the lake. The Denver Parks & Recreation Department has tried chemicals and rakes, but the problem has persisted.
Jill McGranahan, Parks and Recreation spokeswoman, said that in conjunction with the vacuums, officials also are applying cutrine, a copper sulfate that kills algae.
“The chemical treatment alone was not bringing it under control to the level we wanted,” McGranahan said. “This is us attacking it in a new and different way to get the aesthetic issue under control.”
McGranahan said the city likely will continue the vacuuming of the algae through the weekend.
A $28 million city project aimed at improving drainage and beautifying one of the city’s prettiest parks is suspected of feeding the massive algae bloom, officials have said.
Christopher N. Osher: 303-954-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com
