City of Union Potable Water Treatment
Location: Union, South Carolina
Facility Type: Potable Water
Water Source: Broad River
Flow Rate: 3.5–5 (MGD)
City of Union Potable Water Treatment
Location: Union, South Carolina
Facility Type: Potable Water
Water Source: Broad River
Flow Rate: 3.5–5 (MGD)
Overview
The City of Union, South Carolina, operates a water treatment facility that pumps 3.5 –5 million gallons per day from the Broad River. After discontinuing chlorine application at the intake to reduce trihalomethanes (THMs) and disinfection byproducts, the city experienced a surge in algae and biofilm growth inside the plant. The result was increased maintenance frequency, higher labor costs, and growing concerns over taste and odor issues. Seeking a chemical-free and sustainable solution, Union implemented ultrasonic technology to regain control over biofilm and algae within its sedimentation basins and weirs
The Challenge
Once chlorination ceased, algae and bacteria rapidly colonized the sedimentation basin walls and v-notch weirs, forming resilient biofilm layers. The maintenance cycle had to be shortened from every six weeks to every two weeks, burdening staff with intensive cleaning tasks and increasing operational costs. Union’s water team needed a long-term solution that would prevent biofilm formation, maintain compliance with EPA THM and HAA limits, and reduce manual maintenance — all without reintroducing chemicals that could compromise water quality
Results & Solution
Union’s lead water treatment operator, Arnold Franklin, learned about ultrasonic algae control at the South Carolina Rural Water Association conference. Two ultrasonic transducers were installed — one in the sedimentation basin and another aimed at the v-notch weirs — after a thorough cleaning.
Within days, biofilm and algae accumulation stopped in the treated areas. Without a stable biofilm foundation, algae were unable to attach or propagate. Maintenance teams immediately noticed that any residual buildup was softer and easier to remove, cutting cleaning time significantly. Encouraged by these results, Union expanded ultrasound plant-wide to protect all basins and weirs.
After 45 days of the Pulsar installation, THM concentrations measured 34.4 μg/L, less than half the regulatory threshold of 80 μg/L. In another 6 months, THMs dropped again to 18 μg/L, while HAA levels decreased from 22 μg/L to 12 μg/L—well below EPA limits.
The City of Union’s success demonstrates how ultrasonic technology can replace traditional chemical and labor-intensive algae control methods in water treatment. By preventing biofilm formation at its source, the system eliminated algae habitat, reduced THMs by 75%, and restored the facility’s six-week cleaning schedule.
Beyond water clarity and compliance, ultrasound provided a non-chemical, operator-friendly, and sustainable way to maintain optimal plant performance.
Summary
The City of Union’s success demonstrates how ultrasonic technology can replace traditional chemical and labor-intensive algae control methods in water treatment. By preventing biofilm formation at its source, the system eliminated algae habitat, reduced THMs by 75%, and restored the facility’s six-week cleaning schedule.
Beyond water clarity and compliance, ultrasound provides a non-chemical, operator-friendly, and sustainable way to maintain optimal plant performance.
The Challenge
Results & Solution
Union’s lead water treatment operator, Arnold Franklin, learned about ultrasonic algae control at the South Carolina Rural Water Association conference. Two ultrasonic transducers were installed — one in the sedimentation basin and another aimed at the v-notch weirs — after a thorough cleaning.
Within days, biofilm and algae accumulation stopped in the treated areas. Without a stable biofilm foundation, algae were unable to attach or propagate. Maintenance teams immediately noticed that any residual buildup was softer and easier to remove, cutting cleaning time significantly. Encouraged by these results, Union expanded ultrasound plant-wide to protect all basins and weirs.
After 45 days of the Pulsar installation, THM concentrations measured 34.4 μg/L, less than half the regulatory threshold of 80 μg/L. In another 6 months, THMs dropped again to 18 μg/L, while HAA levels decreased from 22 μg/L to 12 μg/L—well below EPA limits.
The City of Union’s success demonstrates how ultrasonic technology can replace traditional chemical and labor-intensive algae control methods in water treatment. By preventing biofilm formation at its source, the system eliminated algae habitat, reduced THMs by 75%, and restored the facility’s six-week cleaning schedule.
Beyond water clarity and compliance, ultrasound provided a non-chemical, operator-friendly, and sustainable way to maintain optimal plant performance.
Summary
The City of Union’s success demonstrates how ultrasonic technology can replace traditional chemical and labor-intensive algae control methods in water treatment. By preventing biofilm formation at its source, the system eliminated algae habitat, reduced THMs by 75%, and restored the facility’s six-week cleaning schedule.
Beyond water clarity and compliance, ultrasound provides a non-chemical, operator-friendly, and sustainable way to maintain optimal plant performance.
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