What would likely be the most effective solution to control algae in source water that is clogging filters at a water treatment plant?

Controlling nutrients is the most effective solution for managing algae growth in source water that is clogging filters at a water treatment plant. Algae thrive in environments with high levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are often found in runoff from agricultural areas or urban development. By reducing these nutrient levels, either through changes in land use practices, improved agricultural methods, or better wastewater treatment, the growth of algae can be significantly minimized.

When nutrient levels are controlled, the conditions that favor algal blooms are disrupted, which leads to a decrease in the amount of algae that can grow and eventually clog filters. This strategy targets the root cause of the problem and can lead to long-term improvements in water quality, filter performance, and overall operational efficiency at the water treatment facility.

Other methods, while they might help to some extent, do not address the underlying cause of algal blooms. For instance, increasing filtration may temporarily alleviate the issue, but it does not prevent the recurrence of algae if nutrient levels remain high. Similarly, UV light treatment can kill algae present in the water, but it does not remove the nutrients that promote their growth. Controlling toxins can mitigate the impacts of harmful algae, but it does not effectively reduce the biomass of algae itself