Achieve Algae & Weed-Free Water

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Algae and Invasive Weeds: The Biggest Burden of Lake Managers and Owners

One of the biggest headaches lake and pond owners or managers face is nuisance growth of algae and aquatic weeds. Aquatic weeds and algae are an eyesore and a top complaint from stakeholders. People look forward to enjoying the water during the warmer months, but if nuisance growth is not prevented before spring, it may come to define your property all summer long. Poorly-maintained waterbodies can lead to disconnected communities, reduced property values, liability issues, and weak confidence in leadership.

Why Algae & Weeds Develop

Aquatic weeds and algae can be hard to eliminate as they are merely a symptom of more systemic water quality issues – in particular, a surplus of nutrients in the waterbody. Warm weather combined with excess nutrients can create imbalances that make lakes and ponds more susceptible to weeds and algae. These imbalances can be further exacerbated by depleted dissolved oxygen levels, poor circulation, and erosion.

A Reactive Strategy to Algae & Weed Control

Nutrients commonly enter lakes and ponds through stormwater runoff that picks up pollutants, lawn clippings, animal waste, and eroded shoreline sediment. Nutrients are released as these materials break down. If these problems are allowed to continue for too long, property owners and managers will have to turn to more reactive solutions like mechanical harvesting or EPA-registered herbicides and algaecides to eliminate nuisance growth. Though they do not address the root cause, these are often the quickest and most cost-effective strategies to quickly remove nuisance growth, and introduce an annual management program from a “clean slate.”

A Proactive Approach to Algae & Weed Control

Proactive management begins with in-depth water quality testing to identify water quality imbalances before they manifest. After establishing a baseline, professionals continue monitoring to spot changes and take action early on. Dissolved oxygen is essential to a healthy waterbody, so fountains and aerators are often the next step. Fountains circulate and oxygenate lakes and ponds from the surface, while submersed aerators pump oxygen-rich bubbles from the bottom. In tandem, they work to restore balance to the water column.

"Deactivate" Excess Nutrients for Healthy Water Quality

To target excess and unwanted nutrients directly, products such as Phoslock, Alum, or EutroSORB can be used to “deactivate” or remove them from the water column. This approach typically yields long-lasting results as long as steps are taken to prevent future runoff.

Halt Runoff & Maintain Healthy Water

This is where shoreline management comes in. Native plants introduced around the water’s perimeter can help slow runoff and filter out pollutants. They also help contain soil along the bank to prevent erosion. If a shoreline is too impaired, bioengineering materials and techniques can be used to rebuild it for years of erosion protection.

You Deserve Clean, Beautiful Water

Weeds and algae are an enormous headache, but they don’t have to be. Successful management is possible through an integrated approach that supports waterbody health all year long. Don’t carry the burden of managing your water resources alone. Our experts have restored thousands of aquatic ecosystems, and are dedicated to helping you cultivate a waterbody you can take pride in.

Achieve Worry-Free Water Management

Call us at 888-480-5253 or complete the form below to get connected with an aquatic management expert.

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 FacebookLinkedIn and Twitter.

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