Comprehensive Strategies to Protect Drinking Water from Harmful Algae Blooms: Mitigation of Internal Nutrient Loads in Drinking Water Sources

With the increasing occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), and no silver-bullet solution, development of innovative management practices and technology has come to the forefront.

Our first presentation by Dr. Bob Kortmann will review the structure of thermal stratification and mechanisms of internal loading of anaerobic respiration products and soluble reactive phosphorus that stimulates cyanobacteria blooms. A variety of management methods will be reviewed for controlling internal loading in source water reservoir systems, including: Artificial Circulation Technologies, Hypolimnetic Aeration, Depth- Selective Layer Aeration, and Oxygenation Systems. Advantages, disadvantages, and risk of adverse impacts will be identified for each method.

Our second presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Crafton-Nelson provides insight on how to leverage new technology and integrated practices to curb HABs. This presentation highlights key information that will allow water resource managers to tailor a management program that includes both short- and long-term strategies, to actively manage HABs now and work to prevent them in the future.