Records dating back to 1975 documented that copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) was applied for 44 consecutive years to Woodland Reservoir to control algae growth. As diffused aeration systems and advanced ultrasonic units were positioned in the reservoir, daily algal cell counts (cells Ultrasonic Units and Diffused Aeration Replace Applying Copper Sulfate counts) decreased to levels where treatment
was not necessary in 2019 and 2020.
Cell counts of consistently dominant cyanobacteria (blue-green algae); Chroococcus Type I, Cyanobium and Polycystis decreased by 96 percent, 94 percent, and 77 percent respectively from 2014 to 2020. For residents dependent on the reservoir as their primary drinking water source, the $26,056 capital investment in diffused aeration systems and advanced ultrasonic units has resulted in a major improvement to water quality during the summer and fall months.
