Commerce officials plan to buy or lease three solar-powered devices to prevent algae from causing foul-tasting water each spring at the city’s reservoir.
The plan is to place three devices like this into the city's 300-acre reservoir. They will use solar power to gently mix layers of water in the reservoir to inhibit the growth of algae.
City to use solar power to improve water taste
Three SolarBee mixers in the city’s 300-acre reservoir could eliminate the dirty taste that plagues the reservoir during “turnovers” each spring. This past spring’s event was the worst on record, lasting 10 days.
Lake “turnover” is a phenomenon of shallow southern reservoirs. It occurs when cool nights are followed by very warm days. The cool morning water sinks, and warmer water near the bottom rises. It brings with it sediment.
In Commerce’s case, the sediment contains dead algae that has fallen to the bottom, Harbin explained. While the water is safe to drink, it tastes like dirt.
Bryan Harbin, director of water and sewer operations, explained at Monday night’s council work session how three SolarBee mixers in the city’s 300-acre reservoir could eliminate the dirty taste that plagues the reservoir during “turnovers” each spring. This past spring’s event was the worst on record, lasting 10 days.
Lake “turnover” is a phenomenon of shallow southern reservoirs. It occurs when cool nights are followed by very warm days. The cool morning water sinks, and warmer water near the bottom rises. It brings with it sediment.
In Commerce’s case, the sediment contains dead algae that has fallen to the bottom, Harbin explained. While the water is safe to drink, it tastes like dirt.
The proposal is to install three of the devices. Yet to be resolved is whether the city will purchase them for $172,758 or lease them at $55,000 a year plus a $20,000 installation charge.
Lake “turnover” is a phenomenon of shallow southern reservoirs. It occurs when cool nights are followed by very warm days. The cool morning water sinks, and warmer water near the bottom rises. It brings with it sediment.
In Commerce’s case, the sediment contains dead algae that has fallen to the bottom, Harbin explained. While the water is safe to drink, it tastes like dirt.
Bryan Harbin, director of water and sewer operations, explained at Monday night’s council work session how three SolarBee mixers in the city’s 300-acre reservoir could eliminate the dirty taste that plagues the reservoir during “turnovers” each spring. This past spring’s event was the worst on record, lasting 10 days.
Lake “turnover” is a phenomenon of shallow southern reservoirs. It occurs when cool nights are followed by very warm days. The cool morning water sinks, and warmer water near the bottom rises. It brings with it sediment.
In Commerce’s case, the sediment contains dead algae that has fallen to the bottom, Harbin explained. While the water is safe to drink, it tastes like dirt.
The proposal is to install three of the devices. Yet to be resolved is whether the city will purchase them for $172,758 or lease them at $55,000 a year plus a $20,000 installation charge.
future..
GREAT.