Clean Lake Initiative

Through the Clean Lake Initiative, the City contracts with the non-profit Lake Merritt Institute remove litter along the shoreline, maintain trash booms and aeration fountains, provide education for schools and businesses, and coordinate volunteers in these activities.

For information on how you can volunteer in these efforts, please visit www.lakemerrittinstitute.org.

Other Lake Merritt Projects

In response to the 2022 Lake Merritt fish kill, the City of Oakland and partners initiated the Lake Merritt Water Quality Management Pilot Project (Pilot). The Pilot is designed to address excessive algae growth and low dissolved oxygen levels associated with the fish kill.

Several capital improvement projects are completed and underway at and around Lake Merritt. These projects will improve water quality and access to recreational opportunities. For more information on those projects visit the Measure DD website. .

Lake Merritt quick facts

Lake Merritt is a tidal lagoon located in the heart of Oakland. Lake Merritt the oldest designated wildlife refuge in the United States. Parks, gardens, trails and other amenities fringe Lake Merritt.

Lake Merritt's unique hydrology is affected by daily tidal flows and receives water from over 60 storm drain outfalls. Over 4,650 city acres drain into Lake Merritt, bringing urban runoff from streets, sidewalks, parking lots and lawns.