Water Quality Management

As summer arrives, there is great anticipation to get out on the water. Boating, swimming, fishing, grilling out and playing lawn games on the shoreline with friends and family are some of life’s simple pleasures. Unfortunately, weeds, algae, and muck can extinguish the joy that lakes and ponds provide. If precautions are not taken before the growing season to preserve the health of a waterbody, green nuisance growth and poor water quality may become a distraction when the summer months return and only worsen as the year goes on.

A chain reaction is set off each year as temperatures rise and the days become longer. Consistent sunlight triggers photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into energy. As they grow, they absorb nutrients like phosphorus from the soil around them. Aquatic plants play a necessary role in the food chain by providing food and shelter for native wildlife. However, without the right checks and balances, they may overpopulate beyond control. If growth and die-off become disproportionate to the surrounding environment, it may be a sign that nutrients are overly abundant – and create a cycle of nutrient loading that is difficult to reverse.

Directly connected to the cycle of nutrient loading is the development of bottom muck. It’s one of the last things someone wants to feel between their toes as they enter the water for a summer swim. But even more importantly, it should be a warning signal for stakeholders that their waterbody is becoming more mature.

Shoreline erosion is not only unsightly and hazardous, it can lead to significant water quality problems. When water quality is imbalanced, especially paired with warm summer temperatures, nuisance weeds, algae, and toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are more likely to develop. Cyanobacteria, in particular, can release toxins that are deadly to wildlife, fish, and dogs, and can cause sickness and long-term health problems in humans, so summer water activities should be strictly avoided if a harmful algal bloom has been identified.

In addition to increased aquatic weed and algae growth, the spread of invasive species is often exacerbated by summer activities. Boats and water equipment can pick up small plant fragments and accidentally introduce them to new waterbodies. Severe summer storms and hurricanes are also known to displace invasive plants and wildlife. When invasive species become established in non-native habitats, they crowd out beneficial wildlife and create dangerous imbalances that may degrade the health of an ecosystem. Invasive armored catfish, for example, burrow deep into lake and pond shorelines. Without natural predators to keep their populations in check, they may continue to thrive until the shoreline collapses. 

Summer only comes once a year, so in order to enjoy your waterbody to the fullest, it’s crucial to implement proactive measures before the season kicks off. As part of a professional annual management program, aquatic experts incorporate many solutions and strategies on a year-round basis to ensure your waterbody stays in peak condition at all times.