EarthTec Algaecide

EarthTec Algaecide, manufactured by Earth Science Laboratories, Inc., is an advanced algaecide and nonpublic health bactericide that delivers fast, consistent algae and bacteria control with improved solubility, better distribution, and predictable performance across a wide range of water systems.

Traditional copper sulfate products often struggle with uneven distribution, rapid binding to sediments, and reduced effectiveness in hard or alkaline water. EarthTec solves these problems by delivering copper in a stabilized, soluble form that remains active in the water column longer, allowing algae and bacteria to absorb it more efficiently and resulting in faster, more consistent control.

Used by municipalities, water managers, aquaculture professionals, and property owners alike, EarthTec Algaecide is a proven, copper-based solution designed for precise, effective control of algae, nonpublic health bacteria, and aquatic weeds across a wide range of water systems from lakes and reservoirs to irrigation canals, potable water supplies, and ornamental fountains. Whether you’re preventing algae before it starts or battling an active bloom, EarthTec Algaecide delivers dependable results with precision and control.

Tools Needed

A backpack sprayer, spray rig, chemigation system, or boat can be used to make applications. 

How to Use

• Step 1: To measure per acre-foot, start by determining the surface area. If your water site is roughly rectangular or square, measure its length and width in feet and multiply them together, then divide by 43,560 to convert square feet to acres. For irregular shapes, you can estimate by breaking the site into smaller sections, calculating each, and adding them up. To measure the average depth of a pond, take depth readings at several spots across the pond, add them together, and divide by the number of readings to get an accurate overall depth. Multiply the surface area in acres by the average depth in feet this gives you the volume in acre-feet. For direct applications to whole water bodies, apply 0.33 to 1.3 gallons EarthTec Algaecide (0.06 to 0.24 ppm metallic copper) [1 to 4 gallons EarthTec per million gallons water] per acre-foot per application. Increase as necessary to achieve control but do not exceed 5.5 gallons EarthTec (2.74 lbs. metallic copper) per acre-foot ( 1 . 0 ppm metallic copper) [16.7 ppm EarthTec] in the treated water. Refer to the product label for specific application rates and restrictions. 
• Step 2: You can apply this product directly from the container. To mix for sprayers or chemigation, first fill the tank or system with water, then slowly add the recommended amount of product while agitating to ensure it dissolves evenly.
• Step 3: Distribute the product evenly over the water surface, but do not treat more than one-half of the water body at a time. After the first application, wait at least 14 days before treating the other half, and continue staggering treatments at 14-day intervals as needed.

Where to Use

EarthTec Algaecide is for use in Impounded Waters; Lakes; Ponds; Lagoons; Wastewater Lagoons; Reservoirs; Livestock Watering Systems; Potable Water Supplies; Sedimentation Basins; Ornamental Water Features or Fountains; and Equipment/Structures that deliver water directly to publicly owned water treatment facilities to include pipes, intake structures, gatehouses, screens, pumping stations, weirs, tanks, and penstocks.

 For Use in Irrigation Conveyance Systems, Irrigation Reservoirs, Irrigation Canals, Ditches, and Chemigation Systems. It can also be used in aquaculture ponds, Retention and Golf Course Ponds, Aquaculture Ponds, Biological Fishponds or Systems, Irrigation and Chemigation Systems, Ornamental Water Features and Fountains. Also for use in Swimming Areas, Farm, Industrial, Retention and Golf Course Ponds, Aquaculture Ponds, Biological Fishponds or Systems, Irrigation and Chemigation Systems

When to Use

Make applications early when algae first appears and when water temperature supports algae growth. 

Safety Information

EarthTec Algaecide is safe for people and pets when applied according to the product label instructions. Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when mixing and applying this product. 

In situations where rapidly reproducing toxic algal species pose a public health threat to drinking or recreational water resources, applicators must receive authorization from applicable state, local or tribal water resources authorities to apply copper at intervals shorter than 14 days should the circumstance demand.

Water destined to be used as drinking water (this water must receive additional and separate potable water treatment).

Special Considerations

Waters treated with this product may be hazardous to aquatic organisms. Treatment of aquatic weeds and algae can result in oxygen loss from decomposition of dead biomass. This oxygen loss can cause fish and invertebrate suffocation.

To minimize this hazard, do not treat more than 1/2 of the water body and wait at least 14 days between treatments to avoid depletion of oxygen due to decaying vegetation (excluding water infrastructure and constructed conveyances such as drainage and irrigation canals, ditches and pipelines and aqueducts for drinking water or irrigation use). Begin treatment along the shore and proceed outward in bands to allow fish to move into untreated areas.