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I CENTERVILLE LAKE ALUM TREATMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED <br /> I QUESTIONS <br /> ALUM TREATMENT <br /> What is Alum? <br /> Aluminum sulfate("alum") is one of the most widely used substances in water and wastewater treatments(USA EPA). <br /> It's often used to address issues related to excessive nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus, and has been used in <br /> lakes across the United States and Europe to improve water quality for decades. <br /> How does Alum work? <br /> When applied to water,alum forms a "fluffy"aluminum hydroxide material called "floc".As the floc settles, it removes <br /> phosphorus and particulates(including algae)from the water column by binding to it.The floc settles on the sediment <br /> (aka lake bottom)where it forms a layer that acts as a barrier to phosphorus. Phosphorus that would release from the <br /> sediments on the lake bottom, is"locked" in place by the alum and can't go back into the water to fuel algae blooms. <br /> Why are we doing this Alum treatment? <br /> Alum reduces phosphorus,which is a significant contributor to the Jake's poor water quality and harmful algae blooms <br /> (see photo below). Algae blooms like this can produce toxins that are dangerous to animals and people.Alum will <br /> improve water clarity and create a healthier lake.Alum is cost-effective and has a proven track record in restoring water <br /> quality in lakes facing similar challenges. <br /> How long will the application take?About a week and a half <br /> When will the treatment begin?Either early spring or late fall <br /> What will the lake look like during treatment?Milky-white <br /> but changing to clear water very quickly. <br /> How long will the effects last? Since Centerville Lake <br /> doesn't receive much phosphorous from outside the lake,this <br /> treatment is expected to last about 20 years. <br /> Figure 1 Harmful Blue Green Algae Bloom on Centerville Lake <br /> �r <br /> Does an alum treatment fix all water quality issues? <br /> While an alum treatment can significantly improve water clarity/quality by <br /> reducing phosphorus levels, it may not address all issues. Continuous <br /> monitoring and long-term management strategies such as water quality <br /> monitoring, restoring shorelines with native plant communities,controlling <br /> invasive species, and installing other stormwater management practices ,. <br /> around the lake are needed to protect and keep the water quality good. = <br /> What happens after the alum treatment? _ <br /> You'll see an improvement in water clarity right after and into the following •�•. � -�"'� <br /> months.This improved clarity WILL support the regrowth of native aquatic Figure z txample of the native aquatic plant <br /> communities that will regrow on Centerville <br /> plants.These plants are essential to providing habitat for aquatic life and Lake <br /> to further improve water quality.A decrease in phosphorus will also help <br /> control algae blooms in the future. <br />