Wastewater
Settlement Ponds
A Smarter Way to Stop the Algae Cycle in Wastewater
Are you tired of trying solution after solution for your recurring algae problem — only to watch it return each season? Many operators have tried ultrasonic systems before, but not all ultrasound is equal. If the signal isn’t strong enough to create true cavitation, it won’t disrupt the gas vesicles inside cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and the results won’t last.
The build-up of algae doesn’t just look bad — it reduces pond capacity, increases turbidity, releases odours, interferes with natural settling processes, and can even put your consent compliance at risk.
Our industrial-strength ultrasound technology delivers consistent cavitation through the water column, targeting non-motile cyanobacteria before they rise to form surface blooms.
EnviroSonic helps restore the natural process by:
Improving settling efficiency — less interference from algae mats and organic build-up.
Enhancing clarity sedimentation and treatment systems operate at full capacity.
Reducing maintenance — fewer desludging cycles and less downtime.
Protecting aquatic ecosystems by eliminating the need for chemical treatments which makes it perfect for wetlands.
Supporting consent compliance with consistent water-quality improvements.
Consistent Algae Control – Without Ongoing Chemical Treatment
Location: Wauchope Wastewater Treatment Plant, New South Wales, Australia
Operator: Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Application: Wastewater treatment – final settlement ponds
System: Two solar-powered pontoons, each fitted with two EnviroSonic ES300 units
Installed: January 2019
The Challenge
At a wastewater treatment plant, algae in final settlement or storage ponds can create an ongoing operational challenge — particularly where treated water is intended for beneficial reuse.
At Wauchope Wastewater Treatment Plant, operated by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in northern New South Wales, algae levels within the final settlement ponds required ongoing management to maintain suitable treated-water quality for local irrigation reuse.
Chemical treatment had previously been required to help manage algal blooms.
The objective was to establish a more consistent, preventative approach to algae management while reducing reliance on chemical treatment.
The EnviroSonic Solution
EnviroSonic was installed across the plant's final settlement pond system.
Two solar-powered pontoons, each carrying two EnviroSonic ES300 units, provide continuous ultrasonic treatment within the ponds.
The solar configuration allows the systems to operate continuously without requiring mains electricity at the pontoons, making it particularly suited to larger wastewater pond environments.
EnviroSonic uses controlled ultrasound and cavitation within the water column to help control algae and reduce the development of problematic blooms.
For buoyant cyanobacteria, ultrasonic pressure targets the gas vesicles used to regulate buoyancy, reducing their ability to remain near the surface where access to light favours growth and bloom formation.
The Result
Since installation, EnviroSonic has successfully stabilised algal biovolume within the settlement ponds, supporting the ongoing management of treated water for local irrigation reuse.
Importantly, no chemical treatment has been required to control algal blooms since the EnviroSonic system was installed.
Rather than repeatedly responding to established blooms, the continuously operating system provides a preventative approach to algae management throughout the treatment ponds.
Key Outcomes
Algal biovolume stabilised within the final settlement ponds
Treated water continues to be available for local irrigation reuse
No chemical treatment required for algal bloom control since installation
Continuous 24/7 algae management
Solar-powered operation
Reduced reliance on reactive algae treatment
Low ongoing operational intervention