General Environmental Systems offers industrial grade lake aeration and reservoir aeration systems to improve water quality. While lakes and reservoirs can be some of our most spectacular and valuable natural resources, they are also plagued with issues.

Our industrial grade systems are green solutions to many water quality issues such as low dissolved oxygen, a variety of appearance, taste and odor issues, high concentrations / levels of manganese, iron, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and excessive algae growth (including blue-green algae).

Frequently, these issues have a common cause -- insufficient oxygen in the lake or reservoir itself. Although these symptoms of an unhealthy lake or reservoir may be caused by a common factor (low dissolved oxygen), the solutions are quite different. Depending on the resource's specific problem areas, physical characteristics and uses, we develop customized aeration systems to provide effective, long-lasting solutions without undesirable side effects.

A recent study by USGS also indicates lake aeration / thermocline manipulation / lake destratification can remediate (Hg) mercury contaminated bodies of water, lowering the mercury level in both the body of water and in mercury contaminated fish living in the body of water. Although the study has yet to go through peer review, the results are very positive.

Taste and Odor Issues

The most common symptom of an unhealthy lake or reservoir, taste and odor problems can be the result of algae in the water.

Algae Blooms

A wide variety of algae are responsible for taste and odor complaints. Some types, like blue-green algae, are dangerously toxic. Algae growth can be due to excessive nutrient availability, lack of water movement or internal nutrient recycling due to a lack of oxygen in the bottom water.

Manganese, Iron or other Elements
In a healthy lake or reservoir, manganese and other minerals are limited to the bottom sediment. When there is a lack of oxygen in the water above the sediment, the element is chemically reduced to a soluble form and enters the water column. Removing manganese in the treatment plant is normally done with hazardous, costly chemicals. If not adequately removed in the treatment process, it can pose major problems to consumers when it comes in contact with chlorine -- turning clothes in washing machines and water in swimming pools brown. Many of these issues can be addressed by maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the reservoir. In addition, filter runs are increased, less treated water is wasted during flushing and less sludge is created.

Wide pH Variations
Fluctuating pH levels are the by-product of algae growth cycles. Reducing or eliminating these problematic plants effectively minimizes pH and other chemical variations in the treatment plant, saving the time and expense of constant monitoring and adjustment.

Periodic Fish Kills

Like many of the symptoms of an unhealthy lake or reservoir, widespread fish deaths can result directly from lack of dissolved oxygen in the water, or from exposure and consumption of toxic algae.
Each of these symptoms of insufficient dissolved oxygen can be eliminated or significantly reduced through use of our aeration technologies. Our engineers will help determine which oxygen diffusion systems will best meet the needs and goals of your water resource.