Veolia Water Petitions DNR To Treat Water

(posted May 15)

It is getting that time of year again when Veolia Water Indianapolis LLC petitions the Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Environmental Management to add copper sulphate to Eagle Creek Reservoir to stop the algae growth. The algae growth is the villain that causes drinking water to take on that repugnant odor and taste.

Tom Flatt with the DNR said the department is involved to regulate the ratio of chemicals to amount of water treated so it does not change the oxygen levels that could kill fish and wildlife. If chemical application is made before July, then one-third of the reservoir is treated. After July, the percentage drops to one-sixth.

Veolia Water Indianapolis Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Lou Ann Baker explained the reservoir has been chemically treated for several years to remove the earthy musty taste that algae produces. Baker explained the treatment has lowered the water tasting complaints from 500 per year in 2002 to less than 25 per year today.

There is no set time that Eagle Creek is treated for its algae growth. "We regularly monitor Eagle Creek Reservoir" to determine when and where the treatment should be applied. In 2007, only one application was needed, and that occurred in late May, while the 2006 application occurred in June.

"Veolia has been involved with successful research efforts with IUPUI to identify the timing and targeting of the algae blooms to direct treatment before they actually become a problem. These efforts use remote sensing technology in addition to our laboratory analysis." She explained that Eagle Creek is monitored carefully to see when and where treatment may be needed, so the liquid treatment can be dispensed by boat. The chemical is safe for fish, wildlife and humans.

Steve Hurst, acting Superintendent of Speedway Water Works said the copper sulphate residual is not detected by the time it reaches the intake at Speedway. He said Veolia does a good job removing the residuals.

He said the town uses wellwater from December to March because the 55 degree temperature is easier on the aging infrastructure and prevents pipe cracking caused by thermal contraction. During the other months, the town water sources are 80 percent surface and 20 percent wells. During heavy rains, the town also switches to the wellwater because the intake from Eagle Creek becomes clogged with sediment.

The dam operator informs the town when it is opening the fourth flood gate so the town can switch to the wells. Approximately four times a year, waterworks crews dress in waders to dig out the clogged intake, even in cold weather. Precautionary methods are taken by shutting the Eagle Creek Reservoir dam gates, so they are not swept away in the rapid water. It takes about two hours after the gates close for the water turbulence to subside enough to enter the water.