In June 2024, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency (SGPWA), or California, launched an advanced algae abatement project in collaboration with EarthTec to address harmful algal blooms (HABs) within the California State Water Project (SWP) conveyance system.
This initiative aims to safeguard clean, quality water from the community.
Close monitoring of the conveyance system over multiple months revealed increased HABs of concern, believed to be exacerbated by high nutrient concentrations, intense sunlight, warm water and prolonged droughts.
These conditions create an ideal environment for harmful blue-green algae that produce cyanotoxins and pose significant risks to humans and animals.
SGPWA worked with Beaumont Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) to install more than $19,000 worth of equipment at the Mountain View Turnout.
This included a custom Conex box for $6,600, a 275-gallon EarthTec tote for $5,225, Carson manhole covers for $5,043, new electrical conduits and wiring for $1,480 and safety supplies and signage totaling $688.
Through this partnership, SGPWA was able to significantly reduce the overall cost of the project by utilizing external support.
BCVWD staff provided labor hours, assisted in operating heavy equipment and helped cover other incidental expenses, ultimately saving SGPWA’s ratepayers thousands of dollars in additional expenses.
The active ingredient in EarthTec, cupric ion (Cu2+), is a highly effective form of copper that controls algae and bacteria and significantly enhances overall water quality.
Following the EarthTec system installation, SGPWA will actively collect data and monitor this project to keep the community informed and involved in its development.
