Toxic blue-green algae within the waters of Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs’ Memorial Park will be no more.

That’s the hope and intent of a new aeration system designed to turn over the lake’s water about every two days. The city began moving in equipment and materials this week and will begin digging next week to install the permanent, continuous aeration system that will combat blue-green algae blooms and prevent fish kills by reducing excess nutrient content and increasing the lake’s oxygen levels.

The algae harms water quality, decreases the oxygen available to animals living in the water, and can be toxic to humans and pets.

“We are committed to maintaining a vibrant and healthy ecosystem in Prospect Lake. This aeration system not only addresses current lake health issues, but also supports the continued recreation of Prospect Lake,” Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Senior Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Erik Rodriguez said in a news release.

The city has battled the noxious algae in Prospect Lake for years, which has, at times, closed it to all recreation. The lake — where people can fish, kayak, paddleboard and boat — most recently reopened in early August after about a two-week closure because of dangerous blue-green algae levels.

The new aeration system will target the deepest parts of the lake, aerating the water through weighted lines.

According to the project webpage, the aeration lines will force air bubbles through lake water. Oxygen in the air bubbles then diffuses into the lake, reducing levels of pollutants in the water and increasing the amount of beneficial bacteria in the lake, among other improvements.

The system will scatter an enzyme-based product into the waters, as needed, that helps combat blue-green algae blooms.

It was not immediately clear how much the aeration system at Prospect Lake cost. Parks officials said the city used about $450,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to design and install it.