When and where a bloom will spread, ahead of time.
A growth-rate model of the five drivers plus weather forecasts gives a daily alert level 3 to 7 days ahead. Wind and flow give the spread path and the expected arrival date at each intake.
Spread path
Days until it reaches the intake, as a number.
Blooms are pushed by wind and carried by flow. BASIN models this movement inside the water surface, draws spread maps from D+1 to D+7, and gives the main direction of travel and the expected arrival date at each intake.
- Daily alert level (watch to bloom) with recommended actions
- Spread maps from D+1 to D+7 and main direction
- Expected arrival date at the intake
- Supports decisions on intake depth and algae booms
Recommended actions
Every alert comes with what to do.
Each alert level carries recommended actions that follow dam and intake operating procedures. In a pilot we refine them with the operator’s own procedures.
Adjust intake depth
Choose an intake depth that avoids the dense surface layer, before the bloom arrives.
Place algae booms
Use the spread direction to decide where and when to set booms.
Prepare treatment
Line up activated carbon and coagulant for the days they are needed.
Specification
Data, method and output
| Feature | Data & method | Update | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early warning | Five-driver growth-rate model + weather forecast | Daily, 3 to 7 days ahead | Alert level by date (watch to bloom), recommended actions |
| Spread path | Wind drift + river flow, movement inside the water mask | D+1 to D+7 | Spread map, main direction, expected intake arrival date |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead are alerts?
Alert levels 3 to 7 days ahead are updated every day. In a pilot we plan to verify a hit rate of at least 70% for 3-day-ahead alerts.
Can I see why an alert was issued?
Yes. Each alert shows which of temperature, nitrogen, phosphorus, sunlight and residence time pushed the growth rate up.
How are intake locations included?
At the start of a pilot we mark the intake locations on the map with the operator. BASIN then calculates the day the spread path reaches each one.
Related pages
Work with us
Start with a satellite screening of your water.
We screen your reservoirs and intakes from public satellite data first, then compare the results with your own field measurements. No equipment needs to be installed.