Smart Buoy Systems Help Windsor Lake Maintain Clear Water
Introduction
Windsor Lake is the central part of the community in the Town of Windsor, Colorado, a popular recreational area and a vital part of the local watershed. Facing recurring algal blooms caused by warm temperatures and nutrient runoff, the town took a proactive, science-based approach to protect water quality.
To achieve this, Windsor installed LG Sonic MPC-Buoys, a non-chemical, environmentally safe technology designed to monitor and control algae before blooms occur.
The Challenge
Recurring blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) outbreaks had forced temporary lake closures in previous summers. Nutrient-rich stormwater runoff, combined with heat and stagnant conditions. This created ideal circumstances for algal growth. Windsor needed a sustainable, long-term solution that would reduce these outbreaks without relying on chemical treatments.
The Solution with the Buoys
By emitting sound waves that disrupt algae buoyancy, the system prevents algae from rising to the surface and forming blooms. Real-time data are transmitted via Wi-Fi to town staff and the MPC-View cloud platform, allowing for predictive monitoring and faster response.
Kenneth Breneman, the Construction Manager for the Town of Windsor mentioned that:
“As the technology evolves, we expect to get even better at managing and improving overall water quality,”
Project Summary
Improved Water Clarity
Chlorophyll-a levels dropped from 60–70 µg/L to below 10 µg/L within weeks, significantly improving water transparency.
Zero Algae-Related Closures
In 2025, Windsor Lake remained open all year with no closures caused by algae blooms — a first for the community.
Sustainable Lake Management
The buoy systems offered a non-chemical, environmentally safe solution to track algae growth using ultrasonic sound waves.
Integration into Windsor’s Environmental Strategy
The MPC-Buoys are part of Windsor’s broader Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which includes:
- EutroSORB filter logs to capture phosphorus from runoff
- Floating islands at Eastman Park to absorb nutrients naturally
- GIS-based mapping to track pollutant sources
- Shoreline restoration for natural filtration
Together, these initiatives support Windsor’s long-term commitment to sustainable watershed management. The Deputy Town Manager Eric Lucas added:
“If we can eliminate having the lake shut down for weeks and limit that to a few days, that’s a win for us.”
Results and Impact
After two years of operation, the results speak for themselves. In 2025, Windsor Lake remained open all year with zero days of closure caused by algae blooms, a complete turnaround from previous seasons.
Chlorophyll-a concentration (µg/L) data collected in 2024 showed this improvement clearly.
Figure 1. Chlorophyll-a concentration trends in Windsor Lake (June–July 2024).
Early in June, chlorophyll levels fluctuated between 30–70 µg/L, indicating moderate algal presence. After the buoys’ ultrasonic adjustments and stabilization period, chlorophyll levels dropped steadily, remaining below 10 µg/L by mid-July. This sustained decline reflects effective bloom suppression and stable water quality through the summer season.
The technology also provided continuous insights into nutrient dynamics, temperature shifts, and water flow — enabling Windsor staff to act before potential bloom events.
“Windsor Lake is the jewel of our system, […] Keeping it open and healthy is a key priority for our community” said Eric Lucas.
Conclusion
Windsor’s use of LG Sonic MPC-Buoys showcases how smart, data-driven technology can maintain clean, safe water without chemicals. Through continuous monitoring and ultrasonic control, Windsor achieved a resilient, bloom-free lake while setting a strong example for sustainable lake management across Colorado and beyond.
MPC-Buoy
All-in-one solution for controlling algae in large water reservoirs.
