5 years and 5 successful projects with EPM

Control of (cyanobacterial) algal blooms

In 2015, LG Sonic began the first project with EPM, installing eight MPC-Buoy systems in the La Fe reservoir in Colombia. The water body is the main drinking water source of the city of Medellin. 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 allow to adjust the treatment for a high dynamic and fast-growing algal population. The systems are in continuous operation, ensuring algal bloom free water since its installation in May 2015.

Two years later, following a significant reduction in cyanobacteria and reduced operational costs, EPM decided to install 6 extra systems in its other drinking water reservoir, Rio Grande. Within a month following installation, algal blooms had been reduced by more than 90%.

Higher temperatures, water stagnation, and high sunlight intensity all support the occurrence of algal blooms. MPC-Buoy systems were ready for this challenging setting and, with the interactive algae control, it was possible to adjust the treatment for a highly dynamic and fast-growing algal population.

Results

Outstanding results from the Rio Grande and La Fe reservoir have led to the installation of another system in the drinking water reservoir located in the city, Guatapé. Then, in 2019, EPM installed 6 systems in its hydroelectric generation reservoir, Porce II, and 4 systems in Porce III.

The systems were successfully installed in March of that year. Over the past five years, LG Sonic has closely accompanied all projects, particularly with its after sales team.  The assistance provided includes visits for new installations, remote control of the units, maintenance, and technical support.

“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 behavior of our reservoir”.

Santiago Barrera, Technical Operations Manager