Protecting Austin Water Infrastructure with Fortress Mussel Control & Copper Ion Generator Technology

Austin Water Uses Copper Ions and Fortress Mussel Control to Weaken and Kill Zebra Mussels

In recent years, Austin Water has been tackling a persistent problem: invasive zebra mussels threatening its raw water intake infrastructure. These small and stubborn mollusks can cling to screens, pipes, valves, and other equipment, raising operational costs, risking clogs, and even changing water taste and odor if left unchecked.

Copper Ions as a Tool Against Mussels

According to local reports, Austin Water recognized that copper ions, even in low doses, can weaken and ultimately kill zebra mussels, making it a helpful tool in their prevention and protection strategy.

Building on this approach, the city is moving away from traditional chemical feed systems such as copper sulfate toward copper ion generation technologies at its water treatment plants. These systems, like the Fortress Mussel Control Systems with Cu Dose Technology, use electricity and copper electrodes to release controlled levels of copper ions into raw water pipelines, providing a more eco-friendly and safer way to deter mussel attachment and, ultimately, help reduce reliance on chemical prevention.

In nearby areas, such as Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District, copper ion systems have already proven successful. Reports indicate that zebra mussels are no longer found in the district’s water intake after implementing a Fortress Mussel Control Systems copper ion generation.

Effective Zebra Mussel Control for Communities

Zebra mussels are a growing concern in freshwater regions across Texas and the United States. These invasive mussels reproduce rapidly and attach to virtually any hard surface in the water, including intake screens, pumping equipment, and other components of the raw water system. Their presence can:

• Increase maintenance costs and operational downtime.
• Decrease hydraulic efficiency.
• It can cause complaints about taste, odor, and water quality if large colonies decay within the infrastructure.

More aggressive, long‑term strategies are needed to protect vital water supplies and infrastructure from escalating mussel-fouling challenges.

Fortress Mussel Control Systems for Municipal Water Sources

While copper ion systems are an effective component of a biofouling mitigation strategy, utilities often need continuous, adaptive protection against zebra mussels rather than simply reactive treatments.

That’s where ONG Fortress Mussel Control Systems come into play:

• Advanced Ionization Technology – FMC Systems provide consistent ion dosing to discourage mussel attachment before colonies form, protecting screens, pipes, and pumps.
• Dynamic Response to Water Conditions – Designed to adjust with changing flows and chemistry, helping utilities maintain reliable defenses even as raw water conditions fluctuate.
• Integration with Existing Infrastructure – FMC Systems can be specifically designed to fit alongside existing processes without impact on your treatment train.

By implementing technologies such Fortress Mussel Control System as copper-ion generation, utilities can build resilient defenses that reduce long‑term maintenance costs and safeguard water delivery.

Mussel Prevention That Protects Taste and Odor

Zebra mussels are a persistent challenge, left unchecked, can negatively impact your water's taste and odor. Fortress Mussel Control Systems provides utilities with a comprehensive, year-round defense against mussel derived water quality issues.

Learn how ONG can help your facility prevent mussel buildup and keep water flowing smoothly. Contact us today for more information on custom-engineered systems.