OKLAHOMA CITY — City crews are installing new cleaning technology in the Bricktown Canal this week.
Four Moleaer Nanobubble Generators will release microscopic oxygen bubbles—1 million times smaller than those from a typical aquarium aerator. These bubbles sink to the bottom, breaking down excess nutrients, improving water quality, and protecting canal equipment.
Thursday, we saw city staff and contractors putting the finishing touches on one of the four units, this one on the far west end of the canal.
“With the nanobubbles, we’ll be able to keep the water cleaner,” said Scott Copelin, manager of natural resources for Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation. “We want to take good care of our public facilities, and this is a creative solution to improve the maintenance of one of Oklahoma City’s most iconic attractions.”
Installation is expected to be completed by Friday.
In the short term, the nanobubbles will improve water clarity and help reduce odors. Over time, they are expected to extend the lifespan of the canal’s five pumps—each costing about $50,000—and lengthen the interval between major cleanings. Currently, the canal is drained and cleaned about every five years, but cleaner water could extend that timeline.
The water’s chemical balance is managed similarly to a swimming pool, but algae growth remains a challenge.
“Our team does a great job of keeping the canal clean and skimming as much of the leaves and debris as possible, but algae is still a problem,” Copelin said. “We also ask residents and visitors to help us keep the canal healthy by keeping trash out of the water.”
About the Bricktown Canal
Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation maintains the Bricktown Canal, which spans more than a mile and holds 3 million gallons of water. The canal, averaging 4½ feet deep, circulates water through a series of four waterfalls. Built in 1999 as part of the original MAPS initiative, it cost $23 million.
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