How-to: Clean and clear

To develop a treatment plan at your facility you need to test the water. Testing your waters gives you the information needed to build a comprehensive treatment program.

Simple tests can be done by taking samples of water and sending it to a laboratory service to be analyzed. These tests should be performed to identify and count algae, bacteria, and fungi. Samples should be taken at different locations throughout your growing facility: source water, holding tanks, beginning of irrigation distribution, middle, and end point of distribution.

At a minimum, test your waters once in the cooler months and once in the warmer months, especially if you’re using surface waters as a source. Growers who implement a strategic water quality program can lower their overall cost of operations and increase their bottom line. A thorough understanding of what your water picks up from source to end is vital to creating a treatment program that addresses all contamination issues.
 

Source water quality

Different water sources have different qualities of water. Surface waters have a more consistent pH and bi-carb levels, but are more likely to carry diseases and algae. Well waters usually have less disease pressure, but higher pH, Bi-carb levels and mineral and salts concerns. Stored water, from wells or rain, have high risks for algae, disease, mold, and contamination. Municipal water sources are treated to potable standards but are open to contamination in the distribution system as it is delivered to your facility. Understanding your starting point can help you understand your level of urgency.
 

Know your algae

There are more than 30,000 different types of algae, but the most common types found in source water are cyanobacteria (blue-green) and green algae. Knowing what type of algae you have is important for knowing how you should treat it.

Cyanobacteria are present in almost all aquatic ecosystems and are small, individual cells that rely on sunlight for energy. As environmental conditions become ripe, the algae numbers can increase, causing blooms (scums) across the water surface. The blooms can range in color from dark green to yellowish-brown and develop a paint-like consistency as they dry out along the water’s edge. As they dry, a blue pigment can develop. Cyanobacteria thrive in high nutrient, low dissolved oxygen, and warm environments. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that are detrimental to root health. Visually cyanobacteria can look like green planktonic blooms. If your water looks like it’s holding spilled paint and smells like sulfide, you likely have cyanobacteria.

Green algae can grow in a variety of habitats. There are over 7,000 species, which are very similar to plants but are mainly aquatic. Green algae prefer high dissolved oxygen, nutrients and warm temperatures. Green algae can look like pea soup in bloom or produce green, cottony clumps that float or attach to rocks or aquatic plants. Green algae are mostly responsible for clogged filters and slower water movement. Both cyanobactria and green algae spread easily through untreated irrigation systems leading to clogged lines, filters, and algae-laden crops.
 

Treatment options

GreenCleanPRO is one treatment option for algae and fungi in surface waters. GreenCleanPRO is a solid, stabilized form of hydrogen peroxide that is labeled as a broad spectrum algaecide/fungicide. GreenCleanPRO is OMRI Listed and NSF/ANSI 60 Certified for drinking water applications. Treated waters can be used without interruption.

For direct injection irrigation water treatments, there are several products available. Peroxycompounds like SaniDate 12.0 are very effective at removing and preventing biofilm, algae, and water borne pathogens while having the safety and stability to protect your water throughout your irrigation system from front to back. SaniDate 12.0 is a ready to use liquid that breaks down into water and oxygen.

For more information on getting clean, premium water check out the BioSafe webinar at www.greenhousemag.com/media/webinar.