Spartanburg Water proactively addressing elevated algae levels on Municipal Reservoir #1
September 18, 2019
With temperatures reaching the mid-to-upper 90s over the last several weeks, Spartanburg Water has observed an increase in algae in Municipal Reservoir #1. While this is a common occurrence during the heat of summer, we are closely monitoring the levels of an algal byproduct, known as MIB, and taking a forward- thinking approach to combat it.
On Wednesday, September 18, 2019, contractors, hired by Spartanburg Water, will begin applying algaecide on Reservoir #1. The treatment process is expected to take three to four days.
Hazen and Sawyer, a global engineering firm focused on water-related issues, developed a prescription specific to Reservoir #1 that is non-toxic to the ecosystem. Contractors will target five treatment areas using a hydrogen-peroxide based product.
This product has been used successfully in the past without any side effects and has been proven by SCDNR to be a more environmentally-friendly treatment method. The product releases oxygen as it performs its work on algae, producing water as a by product.
Not only is this hydrogen-peroxide based product proven to be non-toxic to fish and other aquatic life, it is also safe for you. Experts consistently rank algaecide applications among the best lines of defense against algae growth.
If left untreated, elevated MIB levels could affect the taste and odor of our drinking water. We take this – and our dedication to serving quality water – seriously, and this proactive step is one of the many tools Spartanburg Water uses to help us achieve our
mission.
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About Spartanburg Water
Spartanburg Water, an award-winning utility, is comprised of Spartanburg Water System and Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District. It serves a population of nearly 200,000 within Spartanburg County, as well as others in parts of Greenville, Union and Cherokee counties. With the help of its dedicated team of nearly 300 employees, each day it produces an average of 25 million gallons of drinking water and cleans 14 million gallons of reclaimed water for its customers and community.
