Weather Events & Lake Management

As average summer temperatures rise, northern regions are also becoming increasingly more hospitable to nuisance and invasive species that were once confined to historically warmer regions. These include plant species such as hydrilla, watermilfoil, and water chestnut, as well as invasive animals like armored catfish, apple snails, and poisonous cane toads (bufo toads).

Conversely, populations of native wildlife that evolved to survive in more mild climates face growing challenges. Beneficial fish, native plants, and microorganisms that make up the foundation of the food chain are finding it harder to survive. Reduced biodiversity can make lakes and ponds more susceptible to imbalances that allow invasive species, as well as undesirable weeds and algae blooms, to thrive.

In particular, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), also referred to as blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, flourish in warm water rich in nutrients like phosphorus. The broad use of lawn and garden fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals in our communities is causing an influx of phosphorus and other undesirable nutrients in our water resources, leading to more frequent and long-lasting blooms. Furthermore, HABs can produce toxins that can be deadly to pets and wildlife, and may have a connection to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in humans after prolonged exposure.

Testing water quality regularly is important for maintaining its safety for uses such as irrigation and drinking water. By predicting potential problems, stakeholders can take proactive measures to avoid negative impacts, such as blooms and waterbody closures. Professionals evaluate many different parameters during each water quality test to gain a comprehensive understanding of your waterbody and its needs.

Several tools are available to address chronic nutrient problems in waterbodies, such as using phosphorus-locking products like Phoslock, Alum, or EutroSORB, which remove excess nutrients from the water. Another option is to use biological bacteria to break down nutrient-rich organic matter naturally. These methods can help improve water quality and reduce the likelihood of weed and algae growth.

Undesirable species are not always obvious to the eye. Many invasive plants, for example, are aesthetically pleasing. Others may closely resemble native species. However, without intervention, nuisance animals, weeds, and algae growth can quickly get out of hand. Regular monitoring by an expert trained in the identification of aquatic nuisances is the safest and most effective way to preserve the health and function of your waterbody.

Cultivating a beneficial vegetative buffer of native plants and grasses can help prevent the degradation of your shoreline and support a more resilient ecosystem. Waterbodies suffering from extreme shoreline erosion may benefit from a complete restoration using a bioengineering system called SOX Erosion Solutions. SOX is a patented knit material that is used to reshape and anchor sediment for many years of reliable stability.

Well-oxygenated aquatic ecosystems are healthier and less susceptible to sudden imbalances that set the stage for future water quality problems. Floating fountains, surface aerators, and submersed aerators are excellent tools to enhance dissolved oxygen and circulate it throughout the water column.