Pilot project uses nanobubble technology to battle algae blooms in Manitoba lake

After years of struggling with persistent algae blooms, a lake in southwestern Manitoba is turning to a new solution that involves using nanobubbles to improve water quality. The Killarney Lake Action Committee chair, Betty Sawatzky, explained that cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, has been a major issue in Prairie lakes due to factors like wind, heat, humidity, and nutrient runoff.

Previous attempts to address the algae problem, such as aerators and chemical treatments, have not been entirely successful. Despite the addition of an aeration system in 2017, algae blooms continued to plague Killarney Lake, leading to beach closures and fish kills. In an effort to find a more effective and eco-friendly solution, the committee has partnered with Calgary’s SWAT Water Technology to test nanobubble technology in a pilot project.

The nanobubble unit, which infuses water with ultra-fine oxygen bubbles that remain suspended for longer periods, aims to disrupt the conditions that fuel algae growth. By reducing the available phosphorus that feeds algae blooms, the system works to improve water clarity and prevent harmful algal outbreaks. The small-scale unit, currently installed in a section of the lake known as the Bay, is being closely monitored for its effectiveness.

Community members, like Cheryl Burke who manages the nearby Kerry Park Campground, are hopeful that the nanobubble technology will help restore the lake to its former clarity. Algae blooms have negatively impacted tourism in the area, with visitors avoiding the lake when it turns green with algae. Burke recalls a time when the water was clear and the beach was full, highlighting the importance of finding a sustainable solution to the algae problem.

The pilot project, costing around $11,000, includes water testing and electricity expenses covered by the local agricultural society. If successful, the project may expand to include additional units across the lake. The community is eagerly watching the progress of the nanobubble system, hoping for a positive outcome that will benefit both the ecosystem and tourism in the area.