Upstream Intelligence: How Real-Time Algae Data Informs Water Treatment

Summer in South Texas brings predictable challenges: Scorching heat, high humidity, and toxic algae blooms that threaten public water supplies. For water treatment facilities, these seasonal blooms have traditionally meant reactive crisis management — scrambling to treat contamination after it arrives at the plant. But what if water utilities could see the problem coming and prepare accordingly?

When summer becomes a public health threat

Cyanobacteria thrive in the perfect storm of South Texas summer conditions. "About 80 degrees and 80% humidity is that perfect zone for it to grow exponentially," explains Devon North, Hydrologist and Senior Lab Chemist at Gulf Coast Water Authority’s Thomas S. Mackey Water Treatment Plant. "During the summer months is when we have to pay the most attention, because that's when blooms have the potential to really get out of hand."

These aren't just aesthetic concerns. Toxic algae blooms create serious public health hazards when they enter drinking water systems. "If we allow this algae to get into public drinking water over a certain quantity, it actually creates a public health hazard. Preventing that is our very reason for being here," Devon emphasizes.

Traditionally, water treatment facilities operate reactively, analyzing contamination only after it reaches the plants. This approach creates a cascade of problems. "We were often behind the growth curve for these algae," Devon recalls. "They would get here, and they would already be an extremely high number. And then we were really having to overcompensate with the chemical to get them back under control." This reactive stance also created operational headaches — emergency chemical orders, unpredictable treatment costs, and the constant risk of being caught unprepared during peak bloom seasons.

Moving monitoring to the source

How can water quality professionals get a handle on upstream indicators before they turn into downstream issues? The answer lies in moving monitoring upstream to raw water sources before contamination reaches treatment facilities. Real-time monitoring technology deployed directly in reservoirs and water sources provides continuous intelligence about developing conditions. AquaRealTime’s AlgaeTracker was instrumental in helping Devon’s team achieve this level of proactive insight.

"AlgaeTracker gives me access to what I call 'heads up data' about raw water that's already indicating high algae," Devon explains. "Because, while I can't necessarily stop it, I can be ready for it." The technology provides updates every two to three minutes, giving her team a real-time window into conditions that previously remained invisible until contamination arrived.

When evaluating solutions, Devon focused on practical considerations: "The data versus the cost versus how it's actually helping me segue into my more fine-tuned lab data here; it really was the simplest solution." As is so often the case, the decision to become proactive was ultimately more affordable than the prospect of remaining reactive. And the benefits go far beyond dollars and cents. 

From crisis mode to strategic preparation

Real-time upstream data transforms downstream operations from reactive crisis management to strategic preparation. Instead of waiting for contamination to arrive, operators can prepare treatment protocols in advance.

"I prepare my operations team to say, 'I want you to begin the chemical contact dosages at this rate whenever this new raw water enters the plant,'" Devon describes. "That way, we're not really overcompensating with the chemical after the algae already arrived."

The data enables sophisticated trend analysis that guides decision-making, too. Steady trend lines indicate stable conditions, while sharp increases or sustained elevation patterns trigger immediate action protocols, including grab sample collection for detailed laboratory analysis.

Perhaps most importantly, upstream monitoring provides visibility into the broader ecosystem. AquaRealTIme’s AlgaeTracker tracks not just toxic algae but also their food sources — the precursor bacteria and algae that fuel larger blooms. "When those increase... we know we can expect the actual blooms to increase, barring a major weather event," Devon says.

This comprehensive view enables better inventory management, preventing the costly emergency chemical orders that plagued reactive operations. Teams can now forecast treatment needs and maintain appropriate chemical stocks well in advance of peak bloom seasons.

The proactive advantage

The transformation from reactive to proactive operations delivers measurable benefits. "It's been really good to have an eye on the raw water, to give me time to prepare for what's coming in," Devon says. The system provides early warning capabilities that simply didn't exist with traditional post-arrival testing methods.

Most critically, upstream monitoring helps utilities like Gulf Coast Water Authority fulfill its core mission of protecting public health. By detecting and preparing for contamination before it reaches treatment facilities, operators can ensure consistent water quality — even during challenging summer conditions.

Moving beyond crisis management

Just like weather forecasting has fundamentally changed how society prepares for natural disasters, water treatment is undergoing a similar revolution. In the same way meteorologists moved from reactive weather reporting to predictive forecasting, utilities are discovering the power of monitoring contamination at its source — rather than waiting for it to arrive at their doorstep. And — just like predicting the path of a hurricane or gauging the catalysts for a supercell — AlgaeTracker is giving water quality managers the advance knowledge they need to keep people safe.

Ready to transform your water quality monitoring from reactive to proactive? Discover how real-time upstream monitoring gives you the advance warning you need at AquaRealTime.com.