Algae control is green in more ways than one

A solar-powered technique could prove to be a great way for the city of Little Falls to go green, in more ways than one.

According to Supervisor of Public Works Rick Zilkowski, algae control will take on a whole new stance at the water reservoirs.

"We're going to use another technique to decrease the number of blue-green algae in the reservoirs," Zilkowski said at Wednesday night's meeting of the Board of Public Works. "Usually, we use a costly chemical treatment called an algaecide, but we expect to use an alternate technology beginning in April."

An algaecide is a substance used for killing and preventing the growth of algae.

According to Wikipedia.com, "When an algaecide is used in a pool or pond, less chlorine can be used for water purification, resulting in water that is more pleasant to swim in, without the stinging eyes and nose that too much chlorine can cause. Regular use of algaecide also prolongs the life of water filtration systems, as there is less plant material to clog the filters and intakes of the pump."

Zilkowski said that the chemical use has worked thus far, and that the alternate route involves installing solar-powered water circulators that will be placed in the lower reservoir. The brand is one of growing popularity, SolarBee.

"This constant circulation will disrupt the life cycle of the algae," he said, "which need warm and stagnate water to grow."

Zilkowski said that algae is not an uncommon nuisance in reservoirs and pools. But the new solar technique might be more efficient in several ways. "Algae tends to plug up the slow sand filter quicker"' he said, "and is also related to taste and odor problems in water. Where the chemicals in algaecide kill the algae, this solar circulator should prevent it from further growth, interfering with its life cycle. This way, we can use all 25 million gallons of water in that reservoir, whereas with algaecide, we couldn't always."

Zilkowski explained that the solar power circulator is also a more environmentally sound solution to the water treatment plant, and in the long run, will save the city thousands of dollars. Lease for one year will be $9,000, and after that point, if the circulator works as efficiently as expected, one will be bought, through the five-year lease agreement offered, costing the city an estimated $45,000.

Both reservoirs will receive the treatment. The life expectancy of the equipment used is about 25 years.

It will circulate 5,000 gallons per minute.

"The less algae we have to contend with, the less algae we have to treat with the chemicals," Zilkowski said.

To find out more about SolarBee, visit www.solarbee.com.