LG Sonic and American Water Announce Innovative Partnership to Monitor and Control Algal Blooms

A system of ultrasonic buoys was installed in the Canoe Brook Reservoir #1 in Short Hills, NJ to assess the impact of the system for controlling algae and cyanobacteria in the reservoir. The four buoys operated for five months in the spring/summer 2014. The results of the study indicated that the ultrasonic system was effective for controlling the algae when the correct ultrasonic program was used. During the testing period, geosmin and methyl isoborneol concentrations were well controlled. Additionally, the average alum dose used by the plant was reduced by 22% over the same period in 2013 with improvements in dissolved air flotation effluent turbidity, combined filter effluent turbidity, and an 83% increase in unit filter run volumes. An economic assessment showed the buoys saved approximately $87,800 in operational costs with a projected simple payback for the system of 1.8 years.