Woodland Reservoir
Location: Syracuse, New York
Capacity: 121M Gallons
Installed: 2022
Woodland Reservoir
Location: Syracuse, New York
Capacity: 121M Gallons
Installed: 2022
Overview
At the Woodland Reservoir in Syracuse New York, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) had become a persistent threat to drinking water quality and operational efficiency. To replace traditional copper-sulfate treatments, the utility implemented a hybrid strategy of ultrasonic technology and diffused aeration. Within months, algal blooms were significantly reduced, water clarity improved, and the reliance on chemical algaecides dropped. The initiative restored regulatory compliance and demonstrated a sustainable alternative for long-term algae management in a key municipal water supply reservoir.
The Challenge
The reservoir faced repeated episodes of cyanobacterial blooms, which compromised water quality, generated toxins, and clogged treatment infrastructure. Traditional chemical treatments such as copper-sulfate were proving costly, environmentally suspect, and offered only temporary relief. Moreover, the utility needed a solution that could deliver lasting results while minimizing ecological impact and maintenance burden. The combination of ultrasonic waves to disrupt algae and diffused aeration to enhance mixing and oxygenation offered a promising path forward—one that could maintain water quality, ease maintenance demands, and safeguard public health.
“We were able to meet compliance, improve water clarity, and restore system performance — all without a single chemical treatment. The utility quickly observed a reduction in visible algal biomass and toxin levels, along with improved dissolved oxygen concentrations and treatment plant efficiency. Ultrasonic technology also significantly reduced the cost and dependence on copper sulfate for algae mitigation in our open-air reservoir.”
— Rich Abbott, Syracuse Water Department
Solution
To tackle the ongoing cyanobacteria problem, the utility turned to an innovative, two-part strategy combining ultrasonic algae control with diffused aeration. This hybrid approach was chosen to replace chemical algaecides and promote a more balanced aquatic environment. The ultrasonic units were installed at strategic points across the Woodland Reservoir to target harmful algae at the cellular level, while the aeration system was designed to improve oxygen circulation and limit the stagnant conditions that encourage bloom formation.
The ultrasonic technology works by emitting sound waves at multiple frequencies that disrupt the buoyancy and cellular integrity of cyanobacteria, causing them to sink harmlessly to the bottom of the reservoir. Unlike copper-based treatments, ultrasound does not introduce residual chemicals into the water or harm beneficial microorganisms, fish, or plants. This non-invasive method operates continuously, providing 24/7 algae control with minimal maintenance and no need for manual application or monitoring.
At the same time, diffused aeration enhances water movement and oxygenation throughout the reservoir. By circulating oxygen-rich water and breaking up thermal layers, the system minimizes nutrient accumulation and creates an environment less conducive to cyanobacteria growth. The increased oxygen levels also improve overall water quality by reducing odor, supporting aerobic bacteria, and helping to naturally decompose organic matter before it fuels new algae blooms.
Together, these two systems formed a sustainable, long-term solution for maintaining water clarity and compliance. The utility quickly observed a reduction in visible algal biomass and toxin levels, along with improved dissolved oxygen concentrations and treatment plant efficiency. With copper use eliminated and maintenance demands lowered, the Woodland Reservoir project stands as a model for how modern water management technologies can protect drinking water supplies while supporting environmental stewardship.
The Challenge
“We were able to meet compliance, improve water clarity, and restore system performance — all without a single chemical treatment. The utility quickly observed a reduction in visible algal biomass and toxin levels, along with improved dissolved oxygen concentrations and treatment plant efficiency. Ultrasonic technology also significantly reduced the cost and dependence on copper sulfate for algae mitigation in our open-air reservoir.”
— Rich Abbott, Syracuse Water Department
Solution
To tackle the ongoing cyanobacteria problem, the utility turned to an innovative, two-part strategy combining ultrasonic algae control with diffused aeration. This hybrid approach was chosen to replace chemical algaecides and promote a more balanced aquatic environment. The ultrasonic units were installed at strategic points across the Woodland Reservoir to target harmful algae at the cellular level, while the aeration system was designed to improve oxygen circulation and limit the stagnant conditions that encourage bloom formation.
The ultrasonic technology works by emitting sound waves at multiple frequencies that disrupt the buoyancy and cellular integrity of cyanobacteria, causing them to sink harmlessly to the bottom of the reservoir. Unlike copper-based treatments, ultrasound does not introduce residual chemicals into the water or harm beneficial microorganisms, fish, or plants. This non-invasive method operates continuously, providing 24/7 algae control with minimal maintenance and no need for manual application or monitoring.
At the same time, diffused aeration enhances water movement and oxygenation throughout the reservoir. By circulating oxygen-rich water and breaking up thermal layers, the system minimizes nutrient accumulation and creates an environment less conducive to cyanobacteria growth. The increased oxygen levels also improve overall water quality by reducing odor, supporting aerobic bacteria, and helping to naturally decompose organic matter before it fuels new algae blooms.
Together, these two systems formed a sustainable, long-term solution for maintaining water clarity and compliance. The utility quickly observed a reduction in visible algal biomass and toxin levels, along with improved dissolved oxygen concentrations and treatment plant efficiency. With copper use eliminated and maintenance demands lowered, the Woodland Reservoir project stands as a model for how modern water management technologies can protect drinking water supplies while supporting environmental stewardship.
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