Solar powered circulators make a splash in District of Elkford sewage lagoons

Solar-powered circulator in Elkford: Solar-powered circulator in Elkford's sewage lagoon.

The District of Elkford installed the first solar powered circulator known as the SolarBee in 2006 in cell one of its liquid waste sewage lagoons. The second SolarBee was installed in cell two in 2007. The solar powered circulators reduce maintenancei and hydro costs, and eliminate the need to add chemicals to the liquid waste. The SolarBee technology also creates an odour cap, reduces sludge buildup and produces a better quality effluent.

The technology has been adapted to work in Canadian winters if the water freezes, and the solar panels can adjust for low angle solar radiation during winter months. The District of Elkford received an award for innovation and leadership from the Union of BC Municipalities for this project.