Water Storage Ponds
A Lower-Energy Approach to Algae Management
Storage ponds can provide ideal conditions for algae and cyanobacteria to develop, particularly during warmer months when water temperatures rise and nutrient levels are elevated.
Managing recurring algae can mean relying on aerators, circulation pumps, chemical treatments or regular intervention — all of which can add to energy use, maintenance and ongoing operational costs.
EnviroSonic provides a continuous, chemical-free approach to algae control, using ultrasonic technology to help prevent algae from establishing and developing into problematic blooms.
With low power requirements and mains or solar-powered options, EnviroSonic can provide an effective alternative or complement to traditional algae-management — helping water managers maintain water quality while potentially reducing energy consumption, chemical use and ongoing maintenance costs.
Severe Cyanobacteria to No Detectable Blue-Green Algae – While Saving $17,000 p.a.
Location: Barwon Heads Golf Course Storage Pond, Victoria
Application: Water storage pond – algae and cyanobacteria control
Pond Capacity: 14 ML
System: Single mains-powered EnviroSonic ES300
Installed: July 2016
Reported Energy Saving: $17,000 per annum
The Challenge
The 14 ML Barwon Heads storage pond was experiencing a significant cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) problem, with Microcystis recorded at levels exceeding 500,000 mm3 and an algal biovolume of more than 43.
To help manage the water body, two 7.5 hp surge pumps were being operated to provide circulation and mixing.
While this represented an active approach to managing the pond, operating the pumps came with a significant ongoing energy cost.
The objective was therefore twofold: gain better control of the cyanobacteria while reducing the energy required to manage the pond.
The EnviroSonic Solution
In July 2016, a single mains-powered EnviroSonic ES300 was installed in the storage pond.
Following installation, the two existing 7.5 hp surge pumps were switched off, allowing the EnviroSonic system to provide continuous ultrasonic treatment without the energy demand associated with the previous pumping arrangement.
EnviroSonic uses controlled ultrasound and cavitation within the water column. With buoyant cyanobacteria such as Microcystis, ultrasonic pressure targets the internal gas vesicles the organisms use to regulate their position in the water.
Disrupting these structures reduces their ability to remain near the surface where light conditions favour growth and concentrated bloom formation.
The Results
Just seven weeks after installation, a NATA-accredited laboratory report recorded:
No detectable blue-green algae
Nil recorded algal biovolume
The previous surge pumps remained switched off
An estimated $17,000 annual reduction in energy costs
This was a substantial change from the pre-installation result of more than 500,000mm3 Microcystis and an algal biovolume exceeding 43.
Rather than describing this as simply a visual improvement, the before-and-after laboratory results provide a measurable indication of the change in cyanobacterial conditions following installation.
More Than Algae Control
An important outcome from the Barwon Heads installation was the reduction in the infrastructure and energy required to manage the water body.
Replacing the operation of two 7.5 hp surge pumps with a single EnviroSonic ES300 resulted in an estimated:
$17,000 per year in energy savings
This demonstrates the potential for algae-management to deliver benefits beyond water quality — including lower operating costs, reduced energy consumption and less reliance on energy-intensive mechanical circulation.
Key Outcomes
Microcystis initially recorded at >500,000 mm3
Algal biovolume 43
Single ES300 installed
Two 7.5 hp surge pumps switched off
No detectable blue-green algae seven weeks after installation
Nil algal biovolume recorded at the seven-week follow-up
Estimated $17,000 annual energy saving
Continuous, chemical-free algae-management approach
