Lakes and ponds serve an important role in our communities. They can offer recreational opportunities, help manage stormwater runoff, or serve as a drinking water resource. With the potential for pollutants and waste to infiltrate our water systems, the health of these vital ecosystems can be jeopardized. Healthy lakes and ponds are not only essential for biodiversity, but they also play a critical role in supporting recreation like fishing, boating, and swimming. As we work to restore water quality, there are a variety of eco-conscious tools and pond care services that can help bring your waterbody back to life.
What Can Cause Poor Pond Water Quality
Lakes and ponds have a delicate ecosystem that can easily be thrown off balance due to changes in temperatures or heavy rainfall, to name a few. Low oxygen levels and nutrient pollution are common factors that may contribute to poor water quality and result in issues like algae blooms and excessive pond weeds. Algae blooms occur when excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, often caused by agricultural and urban runoff, enter the water, where they fuel rapid algae growth. This can have harmful effects on aquatic life, as dense algae can block sunlight, reduce oxygen levels, and potentially release harmful toxins.
Environmentally Responsible Pond Care
Sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for pond care are essential for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and promoting biodiversity. While many pond maintenance services typically use a combination of natural methods and EPA-registered algaecide or herbicide solutions, there are a variety of options available for lake and pond owners or managers who would like to take the most environmentally conscious approach to managing their waterbody.
Nutrient Remediation
When it comes to pond restoration, nutrient remediation is a leading treatment for poor water quality. Alum is a highly effective nutrient remediation solution that is typically used in large lakes or turbid waters. It has been used for over 60 years, endorsed by the North American Lake Management Society for its ability to reduce nutrient pollution. Alum is injected below the water’s surface, where it forms a floc that binds excess phosphorus and settles to the bottom, limiting phosphorus release from sediments. Another effective solution is lanthanum-modified bentonite, which also targets phosphorus suspended in the water column and sediments. This solution is particularly effective in stormwater ponds or smaller waterbodies where there is a high concentration of phosphorus. Phosphorus filtration bags capture phosphorus in flowing waters like streams and stormwater pond inlets, requiring disposal once full. All these methods are environmentally friendly and, when applied by professionals, can significantly enhance water quality and clarity in affected water bodies.
Biologicals
Another eco-friendly option for pond cleaning services is the use of biologicals. By introducing beneficial bacteria into the environment, these microbes can actively metabolize surplus nutrients for energy. This method, often called “biological dredging,” not only helps reduce nutrient levels but also contributes to restoring the depth of lakes and ponds by breaking down nutrient-rich sediment at the bottom.
Innovative Technologies
One of the most innovative technologies in pond maintenance is TryMarine. This solution is designed to target excess nutrients and muck at the bottom of lakes and ponds. One of its key benefits is that it transforms bottom muck into usable nutrients, which are then integrated into the lake’s natural food web to help enhance biodiversity. TryMarine also improves sediment composition, turning muck into sandy lake bottoms. What makes TryMarine eco-friendly is that it is not a herbicide, algaecide, coagulant, or nutrient binder. Additionally, it is NSF-60 certified, ensuring it is safe to use for drinking water. This combination of effectiveness and safety makes TryMarine an excellent choice for environmentally friendly pond and lake management.
Maintaining Pond Water Quality
At SOLitude, we understand the importance of selecting the right solution to address water quality issues in your lake or pond. Every waterbody is unique, and our aquatic specialists are trained to perform effective pond maintenance services without harming the environment. However, pond restoration doesn’t stop after one treatment. Ongoing pond cleaning services are essential to stay ahead of any water quality issues and address potential problems head-on. It’s recommended to incorporate proactive management solutions like shoreline buffers and aerators to help maintain healthy water quality. Additionally, experts recommend conducting regular water quality tests to spot any imbalances in your water body and implement solutions before larger water quality issues arise. Start exploring SOLitudes environmentally responsible pond care services today.
Helping You Achieve Clean Water
SOLitude Lake Management is a nationwide environmental firm committed to providing sustainable solutions that improve water quality, enhance beauty and preserve natural resources.
SOLitude’s team of aquatic scientists specializes in the development and execution of customized lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fisheries management programs. Services include water quality testing and restoration, algae and aquatic weed control, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, shoreline erosion control, muck and sediment removal and invasive species management. SOLitude partners with homeowners associations, golf courses, private landowners, businesses and municipalities. SOLitude Lake Management is part of Rentokil, a leading business services company, operating across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
For more information, visit SOLitude Lake Management at solitudelakemanagement.com, and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
