Berthoud has a brand-new buoy. The town of Berthoud, Colorado, United States, has installed the MPC-Buoy to reduce algal blooms in the Berthoud reservoir, which holds the water that will eventually make its way into residents’ homes.
The purchase of the buoy has been partly funded by the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program, a part of the American Rescue Plan. This plan aids local and Tribal governments in response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Multiple-purpose reservoir
The MPC-Buoy was installed in June 2022 in the east cell of the reservoir. Here, the reservoir has been divided into two cells. The west cell is where people enjoy walks, fishing, and paddle boarding. The east cell holds the raw water that, after treatment, will eventually make its way to the homes of the town’s citizens.
A sound solution
Algal blooms, accelerated by climate change, are an environmental problem across the United States and worldwide. The town of Berthoud chose an eco-friendly algae treatment approach by incorporating MPC-Buoy into the town’s drinking water treatment strategy. “It’s an impressive feat of engineering that one little, self-contained buoy can make such a big impact on the quality of the drinking water for a whole town,” Ken Matthews, Director of Water Utilities at the town of Berthoud, said.
Inspiring the next generation of water engineers
With the MPC-Buoy now installed and in full operation, the town is asking its elementary students to help out naming the newly installed device. The winner, chosen by popular vote, will be invited to join the Berthoud Town Council meeting at which the buoy will be officially named. A plaque announcing the name will be added to the fence surrounding the reservoir, and the winner’s picture will be shared in Berthoud’s monthly newsletter.
“We’re hoping that by holding this contest, people will learn a little about the buoy floating out in the reservoir and maybe inspire the next generation of water engineers.” Ken Matthews, added.