Algae Free Drinking Water In Reservoir La Fe

Eight MPC-Buoy systems were installed to control and monitor algal blooms in a drinking water reservoir of EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín) in Medellin, Colombia. The reservoir is the main drinking water source of the City of Medellin. Since installation in May 2015, the systems have been in continuous operation.

The Challenge: Control algal blooms
The primary objective of the project was to reduce and control (cyanobacterial) algal blooms, and to improve the quality of the water that enters the water treatment plant. Secondary objectives of the project were to use the reservoir to its maximum, to save operational costs for pumps and filters.

Watch here the video about how water utility EPM controls algae: https://www.lgsonic.com/case/algae-control-drinking-water-reservoir-la-fe/

The Solution: MPC-Buoy
Given the scale of the project, the best technical and economic solution was to install eight ultrasonic systems spread over the entire reservoir. The MPC-Buoy system provides a complete and environmentally friendly solution to control algae in large water surface. Solar energy powers the systems and operate remotely, which results in low operational costs. The LG Sonic MPC-Buoy emits specific ultrasonic parameters, combined with real-time water quality monitoring to provide a long-term solution for algae problems. The ultrasonic parameters are safe for fish, plants and other aquatic life and can control many types of algae.

The Results: Algae free reservoir
Since the installation of the systems, algal blooms have been controlled effectively, even in the extreme environmental conditions of ‘’El Nino’’ in 2015-2016. The interactive algae control systems allowed to adjust the treatment for a high dynamic and fast-growing algal population. The treatment costs decreased.

“The algae and cyanobacteria control has been an excellent investment. We achieved by means of an environmentally friendly technology to improve the water quality and decrease the treatment costs, furthermore we have today a monitoring and control which is more adjusted to the behaviour of our reservoir”.
Santiago Barrera, Biologist EPM

About LG Sonic
LG Sonic, the official partner of American Water, is a leading international manufacturer of algae control systems. LG Sonic products provide an environmentally friendly solution for effectively controlling algae in lakes, reservoirs, treatment plants, and other applications. With its international distributor network, more than 10,000 LG Sonic products have been successfully installed in 52 different countries.

About EPM
EPM is a public utility service company located in Medellin, Colombia. EPM consists of 12 companies active in multiple sectors, such as energy, natural gas, and water. EPM provides the treatment of drinking water in ten municipalities in the Aburrá Valley. Since 2015, EPM works with LG Sonic to monitor and control algal blooms in drinking water reservoirs.