Windsor’s sonic buoys are helping fight harmful algae blooms
DENVER (KDVR) — The town of Windsor has restricted access to Windsor Lake after a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment test confirmed the presence of harmful algae blooms in the water.
It’s not something that officials aren’t aware of: In May, the town deployed four new LG Sonic MPH-Buoys that create ultrasonic waves, disrupting the algae in the water column and depriving the algae of growth-inducing sunlight.
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Officials also say the buoys are working, and have seen “significant signs of improvement in bacteria levels.”
“The levels are rapidly changing for the better,” said Eric Lucas, Deputy Town Manager, in a release. “We’re following our protocols by closing the lake upon a positive test, but the buoys are doing their job. We’re seeing really good improvement, but it takes a little time. Until then, we want to be extra cautious and keep everyone out of the lake until it’s fully safe again.”
The lake has been closed out of an abundance of caution, so anyone seeking an area to tube or water ski will need to find a different location. Annual motorized permit holders are still allowed on the lake during the algae closure, and non-motorized boaters can use their permits at their own risk, according to the town.
Nonetheless, town officials highly recommend that anyone who might boat on the water also stay out of the water.
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“Our team takes the health and safety of our residents very seriously,” said Kendra Martin, Windsor’s operations and facilities manager, in a town release. “In addition to our regular testing of the lake and after staff visually observed some blooms, we decided to contact CDPHE for assistance with testing and moved to close the lake immediately.”
The algae bloom is made of cyanobacteria and is becoming an increasing risk in Colorado lakes, according to Windsor officials. The algae are capable of multiplying rapidly, aided by unusually sustained hot weather, stagnant water and stormwater runoff rich with nutrient pollution.
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Windsor officials note that while permit holders will be allowed to boat at their own risk, there are other recreational opportunities around Windsor Lake, including the Dr. Tom Jones Trail, the volleyball court, catch and release fishing, the Boardwalk Park Museum, and more. Other areas to swim include Chimney Park Pool and the Eastman Park River Experience.
A timeframe for when the lake may reopen to water recreationists is unknown, but Windsor officials have committed to reopening the lake as soon as it is once again safe.
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