Control Nutrient Levels and Improve Lake & Pond Health with All-Natural Alum
When lakes and ponds exhibit problems like algae, aquatic weeds, bad odors, cloudiness, or muck development, it can prevent us from benefiting from the connection with nature that our waterbodies provide. Aquatic experts use a variety of techniques to diagnose the underlying issue.
One of the most important tools is water quality testing. By analyzing water samples in a professional laboratory, scientists can identify the chemical imbalances that are preventing you from enjoying your waterbody to the fullest. Once data is collected, experts will implement tailored management solutions to restore the balance and beauty of the ecosystem. One natural and highly effective solution is Alum.
Utilizing Alum to Restore Water Quality
Alum has been a long-standing, well-studied tool in our toolbox of lake and pond management solutions—and is a particular favorite of professionals who strive to use only sustainable maintenance practices. Endorsed by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), Alum (also known as Aluminum Sulfate) is used in a wide array of industries and applications such as drinking water management and wastewater treatments. In the lake and pond management industry, Alum is used to balance nutrient levels, thus improving water quality. When water quality is enhanced, it creates an environment that is less hospitable to algae, nuisance weeds, and toxic cyanobacteria.
Perform Water Quality Tests Before Alum Applications
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to lake and pond management. This means that Alum may not be the right solution for each and every waterbody. Water quality tests help us understand the problems occurring under the surface and make this decision. Most often, Alum is deployed when water quality tests reveal unusually high levels of nutrients like Phosphorus, which is typically the root cause of undesirable organic growth.
How Alum Reduces Nutrients in the Water
Alum is applied to lakes and ponds as a white, powdery substance. As the Alum mixes into the water column, it binds with free-reactive nutrients, creating a cloudy trail behind the boat or a specially-designed application barge. After a short period of time, the particles sink to the bottom where they will remain inactive. Alum is considered very safe when applied by a professional and provides fast-acting results that can last for years. Almost immediately after an application is complete, the water column will become more clear. Over the course of days and weeks, the water quality improves.
Curious How to Fund Your Water Quality Restoration Project?
SOLitude’s team of alum experts has extensive experience helping lake associations and municipalities obtain federal and state grant funding, both for planning and treatment, and navigate the complex permitting processes. With these funding options, our team has helped several communities restore their water quality through alum applications.
Does your community need funding for a water quality restoration project? We can guide you through each step of the process, from planning and educating stakeholders to securing funding and conducting treatments. Contact our experts today.
Prevent Phosphorus Loading with Proactive Solutions
Once the waterbody is restored to more balanced conditions, it’s important to prevent future nutrient loading by addressing the external sources of Phosphorus. Trash, pet waste, fertilizers, motor oil, sewage, and yard waste are often to blame. They can flow into lakes and ponds during rainstorms. Rainfall and weather events can also damage the shoreline, causing nutrient-rich soil and plant matter to crumble into the water.
Stakeholders can slow this problem by establishing a robust vegetative buffer around the shoreline. Professionals recommend using native plants that grow approximately 18 inches high and develop complex root systems to naturally hold soil in place. If shorelines have sustained significant damage over the years, it may be necessary to completely rebuild them using bioengineered mesh technology that can be seeded with the grass and buffer plants following installation.
Determining The Best Solution for Your Lake
Your lake and pond management professional may consider several factors when choosing which nutrient remediation product to implement. These may include your waterbody’s size, location, use, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, muck level, and degree of water movement.
The well-being of our aquatic environments reflects our own. Science shows that humans are happier, healthier, and more relaxed when spending time around beautiful water. Nutrients are the building blocks that help create these amazing ecosystems that delight us, but it’s necessary to maintain them at balanced levels as nature intended.
Alum is one of many eco-friendly tools employed through an annual maintenance program. Like most solutions, it is most effective when used proactively. Click to learn more about the benefits of Alum and the important role it plays in a year-round management plan.
Discover the Power of Nutrient Remediation
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 and Twitter.
