Lake Sidney Lanier serves as the primary drinking water source for the City of Gainesville, Georgia. In response to persistent taste and odor issues caused by record-high algae levels, Gainesville has deployed Ultrasound in Lake Sidney Lanier as part of a proactive water quality strategy.
The Gainesville Department of Water Resources partnered with LG Sonic in December 2025 to install three MPC-Buoys near the Riverside Water Treatment Plant intake. By introducing Ultrasound in Lake Sidney Lanier, the city aims to reduce algae at the source while maintaining a chemical-free approach. Importantly, officials confirm that drinking water remains safe and meets all regulatory standards.
Addressing Taste and Odor at the Source
Algae naturally occur in Lake Sidney Lanier and the Chattahoochee River system. However, elevated algae levels can produce compounds such as geosmin and MIB, which create earthy and musty tastes and odors.
To respond effectively, Gainesville implemented Ultrasound in Lake Sidney Lanier to target algae before these compounds are released. The ultrasonic system disrupts algae buoyancy, which prevents them from consistently reaching sunlight at the surface. As a result, algae sink and decompose naturally, reducing their impact on finished drinking water.
According to Water Resources Director Linda MacGregor, this technology directly addresses the source of odor issues rather than only adjusting treatment processes downstream.
Pilot Testing Ultrasound Performance
Currently, Gainesville is pilot testing the technology near the Riverside Water Treatment Plant intake. The ultrasonic waves extend approximately 2,600 feet, although the pilot focuses specifically on the water withdrawn for treatment rather than the entire lake.
Through this targeted deployment, the city can evaluate how effectively Ultrasound in Lake Sidney Lanier improves raw water quality during peak algae periods. Officials report that the system has the potential to significantly reduce algae levels without harming aquatic life.
Real-Time Monitoring Supports Data-Driven Decisions
In addition to algae control, the buoys monitor water quality every ten minutes. They track chlorophyll-a, blue-green algae, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. Consequently, Gainesville gains continuous insight into changing lake conditions.
Because data drives effective water management, the monitoring system strengthens the overall impact of Ultrasound in Lake Sidney Lanier. Meanwhile, the department continues complementary measures such as increased sampling frequency, withdrawal depth adjustments, and optimized powdered activated carbon dosing.
Ongoing Evaluation and Future Considerations
Gainesville secured the buoys under a six-month rent-to-own agreement, with maintenance support provided for one year. Over the coming weeks, officials will analyze performance trends to determine the concentrated impact of Ultrasound in Lake Sidney Lanier.
If results remain positive, the city may consider expanding deployment to additional areas of the lake. Ultimately, by combining proactive in-lake treatment, real-time monitoring, and operational adjustments, Gainesville is strengthening its approach to managing algae and protecting drinking water quality.