Water quality degradation

Frequent outbreaks of algal blooms often degrade water in hydroelectric dams worldwide, making the water unusable as a drinking water or irrigation supply.

Removing algae or algal by-products from water treatment plants where water is taken from a dam is costly and time consuming (e.g. the removal and cleaning of sand filters) and therefore impractical.

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Algae sample

Benefits of ultrasonic algae treatment

Lower chemical expenses

Improve operations of filters and pipes

Prevent toxic algal blooms

Hoover dam

Algae problems in hydroelectric dams

  • Low-power ultrasound, no cavitation
  • No release of algal toxins
  • 100% safe for the environment

Rising temperatures, prolonged water stagnation, extreme weather and increased runoff of nutrients from urban and agricultural lands all compound algae problems in hydroelectric dams.

Especially in the summer months, when the water temperature increases, algal concentrations can grow exponentially and form dense surface scums.

MPC-Buoy

All-in-one solution for controlling algae in drinking water reservoirs.

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Read full case study
American Water
Seven years ago, American Water was the first customer to believe in LG Sonic’s technology. We’re proud of our ongoing, strong partnership.
Anglian Water
Anglian Water reduced up to 95% of algae counts with ultrasonic treatment. The Alton WTW supplies water to 92,214 properties in the Suffolk area, U.K.
Drinking water reservoir
CAASD’s Valdesia reservoir has a surface of 7km²/1700 acres. After years of algae bloom contamination, the utility achieved 87% chlorophyll a reduction.
Vallecitos Water District
Vallecitos Water District significantly improved TSS, pH, and DO levels. Vallecitos can now provide even higher quality water to their customers.
Three Rivers
A popular public open space with 2 lakes used for water skiing, fishing and sailing was contaminated with algae blooms.
American Crystal Sugar
American Crystal Sugar Company is the first company in the sugar beets industry to start using ultrasound technology to improve water quality.
Auckland Utility
NZ utility needed to reduce blue-green algae in a dam used for water supply. During summer, algae cause damage and increase the process costs.
Dubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality selected MPC-Buoy systems to control algae blooms because it's chemical-free and offers real-time water quality monitoring.
Town of Emmitsburg
The main objective was reducing algae during summer, as well as reducing chemicals costs, decreasing backwashes, and preventing clogged filters.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the impact of LG Sonic ultrasound on zooplankton?

    Recent studies commissioned by the Dutch water board and conducted by research agency Ecofide have concluded that the LG Sonic ultrasound is safe for fish, plants, zooplankton, and other aquatic organisms.

  • Why control the algae if nutrients are the problem?

    Reducing nutrients is, of course, also necessary but difficult to achieve, even in the long-term. The majority of nutrient management methods are costly and require frequent dosing with unknown side-effects for the aquatic ecosystem. Besides, the duration and intensity of algal bloom events is strongly depended not only on nutrients but also on a combination of environmental factors, such as climate change, weather patterns, and an unbalanced ecosystem.

  • What kind of water does your ultrasound work in?

    The MPC-Buoy technology can be installed in freshwater, salt water, and brackish water.

  • What’s the largest water body that has LG Sonic implemented? Any issues linking many buoys?

    We have multiple projects with large numbers of MPC-Buoy units installed. For example, in Dominican Republic, 50 MPC-Buoys are in operation in a 7km2 reservoir. The buoys communicate with each other for optimal treatment.

  • What's the minimum depth of water required for LG Sonic treatment?

    We recommend a minimum water depth of 3 feet / 1 meter.