Polk Lakes
Location: Polk County, Florida
Hickory Lake: 101 acres
Blue Lake: 54 acres
Installed: 2024


Polk Lakes
Location: Polk County, Florida
Hickory Lake: 101 acres
Blue Lake: 54 acres
Installed: 2024
Overview
Many lakes in Polk County, Florida, have long struggled with harmful algae blooms that degraded water quality, disrupted aquatic ecosystems, and threatened public health. In response, Polk County Natural Resources partnered with SonicPure to deploy the Sentinel AIQ+ and Pulsar 4400™ to restore water clarity and reduce toxin-producing cyanobacteria in two major public lakes—Hickory Lake and Lake Blue. Their goal was to find a sustainable, non-chemical solution that could efficiently manage algae growth while protecting wildlife and the broader community.
The Challenge
Water sampling revealed the presence of Microcystis, Arthrospira, and Cylindrospermopsis—species known for producing harmful cyanotoxins. Microcystis dominated both lakes, but Cylindrospermopsis in Blue Lake posed a particular concern due to its ability to multiply rapidly and generate potent toxins. These blooms impaired recreational use and threatened the safety of nearby water sources. The county sought a technology that could significantly reduce cyanobacteria levels and prevent further proliferation without relying on copper-based or chemical treatments.


The Results
SonicPure’s Sentinel AIQ+ System paired with the Pulsar 4400™ was deployed in both lakes. The system continuously monitored water conditions and emitted ultrasonic frequencies across thousands of bands to target specific cyanobacteria. Within just four months, Hickory Lake achieved an 85% reduction in cyanobacteria, while Blue Lake saw a 42% decrease. These dramatic improvements restored water clarity, reduced odor, and stabilized dissolved oxygen levels, promoting healthier aquatic life and improved water quality for local residents.
Summary
By integrating SonicPure’s advanced ultrasonic technology, Polk County successfully replaced outdated chemical treatments with a sustainable, data-driven solution. The Sentinel AIQ+ not only reduced harmful algae but also provided continuous insights into lake conditions for long-term management. This collaboration demonstrates how innovative, non-invasive technologies can deliver measurable environmental impact—protecting public health, wildlife, and vital water resources for the future.
The Challenge

The Results
SonicPure’s Sentinel AIQ+ System paired with the Pulsar 4400™ was deployed in both lakes. The system continuously monitored water conditions and emitted ultrasonic frequencies across thousands of bands to target specific cyanobacteria. Within just four months, Hickory Lake achieved an 85% reduction in cyanobacteria, while Blue Lake saw a 42% decrease. These dramatic improvements restored water clarity, reduced odor, and stabilized dissolved oxygen levels, promoting healthier aquatic life and improved water quality for local residents.
Summary
By integrating SonicPure’s advanced ultrasonic technology, Polk County successfully replaced outdated chemical treatments with a sustainable, data-driven solution. The Sentinel AIQ+ not only reduced harmful algae but also provided continuous insights into lake conditions for long-term management. This collaboration demonstrates how innovative, non-invasive technologies can deliver measurable environmental impact—protecting public health, wildlife, and vital water resources for the future.




