Alum: A Safe Nutrient Remediation Solution
Nutrients play a crucial role in sustaining aquatic ecosystems, but excess levels can lead to poor water quality. Alum (aluminum sulfate) is one of the original solutions used in the lake management industry for water quality restoration. Despite its effectiveness, it remains a misunderstood product. Allow us to debunk four common misconceptions about alum and explore its benefits for aquatic ecosystems.
Misconception 1: pH levels will be disrupted after an alum application
While changes in pH can happen after an application, when applied correctly with the right ratio and buffer of Sodium Aluminate, alum does not disturb the pH balance. Professional applications are a precise and controlled process. Trained experts apply alum to the water via submerged nozzles that counteract external disturbances caused by wind or surface currents. This helps maintain accurate product dosage and prevent fluctuations in water quality parameters. Real-time pH monitoring also ensures that the pH remains within predetermined thresholds, preventing stress on the aquatic ecosystem.
Misconception 2: Alum is an outdated technology
After more than 60 years of use in the lake management industry, some may consider alum an outdated technology, but it remains a trusted solution endorsed by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS). Alum is a widely studied, well-understood substance with a long history in wastewater treatment and drinking water clarification. When applied by licensed professionals, it is both safe and effective.
How Does Alum Work?
Misconception 3: Alum applications are too expensive
When applied to large lakes, alum is considered a cost-effective solution that provides long-lasting results. Companies can buy bulk products at negotiated prices and can recommend more cost-effective alternatives for nutrient remediation in smaller waterbodies. Following an application, water clarity improves rapidly and the results continue to evolve over time, even decades later, which can also help reduce future management costs. Additionally, assistance with grants and funding may be available. SOLitude has experience helping stakeholders navigate the complicated process of obtaining financial resources.
Misconception 4: Alum is harmful to the environment
Aluminum is one of the most common elements found in the Earth’s crust. Aluminum sulfate is commonly used in food and as a treatment to balance source water in drinking water reservoirs. To achieve desired results, professionals use state-of-the-art technologies to conduct applications. SOLitude’s custom-built vessels are equipped with precision pump systems and integrated GPS tracking. Once alum is applied, recreational activities can quickly and safely resume.
The Importance of Partnering with Alum Experts
Despite the proven safety and effectiveness of alum, it’s crucial to recognize that do-it-yourself attempts can lead to problems due to a lack of equipment, expertise, and proper permits, underscoring the importance of partnering with professionals. SOLitude has used alum to restore over 35,000 acres of water across hundreds of projects and is committed to upholding the highest standards for precision and safety.
Contact Us to Explore Alum Applications
Call us at 888-480-5253 or complete the form below to connect with an aquatic management expert.
SOLitude Lake Management is a nationwide environmental firm committed to providing sustainable solutions that improve water quality, enhance beauty and preserve natural resources.
SOLitude’s team of aquatic scientists specializes in the development and execution of customized lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fisheries management programs. Services include water quality testing and restoration, algae and aquatic weed control, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, shoreline erosion control, muck and sediment removal and invasive species management. SOLitude partners with homeowners associations, golf courses, private landowners, businesses and municipalities. SOLitude Lake Management is part of Rentokil, a leading business services company, operating across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
For more information, visit SOLitude Lake Management at solitudelakemanagement.com, and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
