300% Filter Runtime Boost for Municipal Drinking Water U.S.
With influent turbidity reduced by 65% and effluent by 53% and filter runtime extended by 300%, the City of Archie restores public trust and water quality at a Municipal Drinking Water in USA through chemical-free ultrasonic algae control.
Background
The City of Archie, Missouri, relies on a 5.5-acre surface reservoir to supply its municipal drinking water. Historically, this reservoir was plagued by recurring harmful algal blooms (HABs), particularly following spring fertilizer runoff. The blooms not only threatened compliance with regulatory standards but also compromised water clarity, taste, and odor, and led to elevated levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs).
Despite using copper sulfate and potassium permanganate, algae persisted. In addition, the city was unable to apply certain chemicals, such as oxidation agents, due to the treatment plant’s design. Seeking a sustainable and chemical-free solution, the city deployed LG Sonic’s MPC-Buoy system in August 2021.
Project summary
+300%
Filter runtime increase (from 12 to 48 hours)
65.3% & 53.3%
At peak bloom, turbidity reached 1.2 NTU, later dropping to as low as 0.3 NTU influent and 0.05 NTU effluent after MPC-Buoy deployment.
88.3%
Reduction in backwash water (from 30,000 to 3,500 gallons over 3 days)
The Problem
Algae adversely affected operations, causing disinfection byproducts (DBPs), taste & odor issues, and public concerns
Algae-Driven Operational Stress
Frequent algal blooms caused influent turbidity levels to range from 0.9 to 1.2 NTU, placing additional strain on the plant’s gravity and sand filters. Post-treatment effluent turbidity reached the upper limit of 0.2 NTU, approaching typical regulatory thresholds.
Regulatory and Chemical Constraints
Copper sulfate treatments proved insufficient, and potassium permanganate offered no lasting solution. Earlier chemical interventions increased pollutant levels. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expressed concern over the city’s disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which were difficult to control due to high organic content from the Grand River. The city urgently needed to satisfy the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) driven by high organic loads from the Grand River.
The LG Sonic Solution
Within just four weeks of MPC-Buoy deployment, influent turbidity fell to 0.3-0.4 NTU (65.3%) and effluent turbidity fell to 0.05-0.09 NTU (53.3%) reductions, respectively.
Parameter | Before MPC-Buoy | After MPC-Buoy | Changes | Description |
Influent Turbidity (To Plant) | 0.9 - 1.2 NTU | 0.3 - 0.4 NTU | ↓ 65.3% | Significantly cleaner raw water entering the plant, easing filtration load |
Effluent Turbidity (Post-Treatment) | 0.1 - 0.2 NTU | 0.05 - 0.09 NTU | ↓ 53.3% | Higher-quality water leaving the plant, improving regulatory compliance. |
Filter Runtime | 12 hours | 48 hours | ↑ 300% | Filters require less frequent cleaning; operational efficiency quadrupled. |
Backwash Water Volume (3 days) | 30,000 gallons | 3,500 gallons | ↓ 88.3% | Substantial water savings; reduced waste requiring retreatment. |
Avg. Daily Water Usage | 75-100 kgal/day | 85-110kgal/day | ↑ 10–13.3% | Public trust restored; greater demand from consumers and wider usage. |
Measurable Results
Filter and Process Efficiency
The improvement in water quality led to a dramatic increase in filter runtime, from 12 hours to 48 hours, a 300% gain. Backwash water use dropped from 30,000 to 3,500 gallons over three days, a 88.3% reduction. Hence, these changes significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced treatment costs.
Increased Water Usage
With visibly cleaner water and renewed public confidence in the drinking supply, the City of Archie observed a 10-13.3% increase in average daily water consumption. Usage rose from 75,000-100,000 gallons/day to 85,000–110,000 gallons/day. This uptick highlights improved trust in the system and greater utility of the reservoir as a reliable municipal resource.
Stable Turbidity and Water Clarity
In 2022, turbidity levels at the Pro-64C location remained consistently below 5 NTU for over 70% of the year. While there were several short-lived turbidity spikes, most of them occurred during late summer through early winter, peaking below 10 NTU in almost all cases.
These increases were transient and seasonal, aligning with rainfall events, which are known to stir up sediments and increase water cloudiness. The data suggests effective baseline water quality management, with only sporadic and rainfall-associated disturbances affecting turbidity.
Public and Regulatory Impact
Residents expressed astonishment at the transformation. For the first time in decades, they could see multiple feet into the water, and the lake was reopened for recreational fishing.
From a regulatory perspective, the Missouri DNR was impressed. Rick Blundell, Water Superintendent for the City of Archie, reported:
“Because of this technology, we’re finally going to be able to do something that hasn’t been done in 40 years, and that is get these DBPs under such control that the state has been wondering if I’m cheating on my lab tests, which we are not […] and it seems like finally, Missouri DNR is happy with the City of Archie, so I’m kind of excited.”
Environmental Resilience
The algae control wasn’t just a short-term fix. Despite continual nutrient inflow from crop runoff, the ultrasonic system maintained balance in the reservoir. According to Rick Blundell, Water Superintendent for the City of Archie,
“The Grand River is so green you’d think someone painted the water, yet our impoundment remains clear.
Conclusion
The City of Archie’s experience showcases how advanced ultrasonic algae control can restore water quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and rebuild public trust. Within weeks, LG Sonic’s MPC-Buoy eliminated harmful algal blooms, extended filter runtime and reduce backwash needs. It was able to regain public trust and reopen for recreational use. Regulatory thresholds for turbidity and DBPs were also achieved simultaneously.
As Rick concluded:
“I am happy. The state is happy.”
LG Sonic continues to support municipalities worldwide in achieving safe, sustainable, and efficient water treatment.
MPC-Buoy
All-in-one solution for controlling algae in drinking water reservoirs.
