About the algae

Keith Cartnick,
senior director,
Water Quality
United Water
    Some of the statements made recently in The Beacon regarding algae contained some erroneous information that may have alarmed the Lambertville community and have raised concerns with United Water and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
   Contrary to claims made (“Local Water Concerns,” Jan. 10), blue-green algae are prevalent in freshwater bodies across the United States and the species Anabaena has been classified as a common genus worldwide (Wehr and Sheath, Freshwater Algae of North America: Ecology and Classification. 2003). In fact, it is found in many nearby water bodies in New Jersey. These include Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, Oradell Reservoir and Manalapan Lake, to name a few.
   According to a study (P. Sze, A Biology of the Algae. 1986) conducted over 25 years ago, blue-green algae grow over a wider range of environmental conditions than any other algal group. Researchers have also concluded (Suthers and Rissik, Plankton: A Guide to their Ecology and Monitoring for Water Quality.) that blue-green algae are typically found in “most freshwater bodies,” including those that are considered clean.
   Because of the prevalence in drinking water sources, water suppliers are accustomed to treating algae and the associated taste and odor issues that can result. Conventional treatment is effective in removing algae and preventing it from entering the finished drinking water that is delivered to our customers.
   Powder-activated carbon, recognized as an effective treatment in the drinking water industry for not only the removal of taste and odor issues and algal toxins, if present, has recently been installed. Customers are already reporting improvements in their water. An enhanced aeration system will also be implemented that will help to prevent algae blooms from developing.
   We appreciate the opportunity to reaffirm United Water’s commitment to providing our customers with safe and healthy drinking water.
    Keith Cartnick has 30 years of experience in the environmental field, including compliance with drinking water regulations, optimization of water treatment plant operations to improve water quality, and oversight of United Water’s Haworth Laboratory.