Golf Course Treatment

How It Works

Potassium permanganate is effective treating a large range of algae and protozoan parasites including Epistylis, Bryozoa (also known as Polyzoa, Ectoprocta, or commonly as moss animals), Trichodina, Costia, and Chilodonella. It also treats Gyrodactylus and Dactylogyrus. KMnO4 breaks down to the permanganate ion (MnO4⁻) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) when placed in water. It is very reactive and will readily react with organic material. Permanganate kills parasites by destroying their cell walls through oxidation.

Application Method

The easiest method is to apply potassium permanganate to a wet well. Sprinkle it into the wet well and allow it to dissolve for a few minutes. KMnO4 is highly soluble to about 5% and will go into solution quickly. Turn on the pump and watch the most distant sprinklers (or lake fill line) for the telltale purple color.

Monitor the color in the wet well and reapply as needed to maintain the purple color. Make sure all mainlines and laterals are filled with the potassium permanganate solution. Shut off all pumps and valves to let the solution set overnight to oxidize the protozoa.

Flushing & Retreatment

When the first treatment is completed, the piping system must be flushed. Dead protozoa will break loose from the pipe walls and flow with the water. First remove any material from the wet well and filters. Flush the system to a pond, or remove sprinklers at the far ends and allow water to flow until clear. Check filters on individual sprinkler heads.

One treatment will be effective in removing the bulk of the issue, however, a retreatment in 2 weeks is recommended to ensure the system is truly clean. During warmer months, monthly maintenance applications may be needed.

Benefits Over Other Methods

Other chemicals and methods are available to kill protozoa, however, potassium permanganate reduces much of the organic material to carbon dioxide. This reduces the issues with accumulation of dead free-floating protozoa in filters and sprinkler heads. The remaining elements of potassium permanganate become potassium and manganese, which are typical required nutrients.