Treating and Improving Common Water Quality Issues; Including Water Clarity, Algae, Odor and More
Water quality is an important factor
that can affect the health of your lakes ecosystem, as well as the recreational value of the lake and the surrounding community. Poor water quality can also make the area unsightly reducing the value of the entire property. There are several steps that can be taken to improve the water quality of a lake. We’ll go over these steps to help bring your system back to a healthy, beautiful state.
Reduce the Amount of Pollution and Runoff Entering the Lake
Improves: water quality and clarity, helps reduce algae
Cost: $
One of the most effective ways to improve lake water quality is to reduce the amount of pollution that enters the lake. This can be done through proper waste disposal, such as using proper septic systems and properly disposing of household chemicals. It is also important to prevent runoff from agricultural lands and urban areas from entering the lake, as the runoff can contain fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants. This can be done through the use of best management practices, such as using buffer zones to filter out contaminants before they reach the lake. High amounts of animal and bird waste can also cause issues with the water quality. Installing a fence around the lake or using a bird deterrent may help reduce their effects on your system. As an example, here in Canada, geese can wreak havoc on smaller lakes, ponds and retention ponds. They produce significant waste when in large groups, which can lead to extensive water issues.
Steps to take:
Limit fertilizers and pesticides around the lake
Limit runoff around the lake
Reduce pollution
Limit the animals and birds that have access to the lake
Reduce the Suns Effect On The Water
Improves: water quality, helps reduce algae
Cost: $ to $$$$
The sun plays a large role on water quality. There are two things that cause algae. One is excess nutrients, the second is the sun. By planting vegetation to help shade the water, you can help reduce the suns effects on the water. Keep in mind, there is a delicate balance with shade plants, when the leaves fall off in winter they can add nutrients to the water from the decaying leaves.
Another common practice is to dye the pond, the most common lake dye is a blue dye. This helps reflect the sun’s rays, in turn reducing the suns water penetration and reducing its effects on the water.