The Truth About Lake Management
Many helpful resources exist out there for do-it-yourselfers (DIY-ers) to maintain their waterbodies, but the truth is, managing lakes and ponds is hard. They are complex ecosystems with ever-changing needs. And while well-intentioned, most DIY-ers lack the knowledge, licenses, and equipment to properly diagnose and address water quality issues that arise.
Many people take the DIY approach in an attempt to save money; however, it can backfire, leading to bigger, costlier issues. Ultimately, the best way to maintain a healthy, beautiful ecosystem is by leaving it in the hands of an experienced provider that uses science to guide effective management programs.
Safely Managing Algae & Lake Weeds
One of the biggest headaches of managing a lake is nuisance aquatic weed and algae growth, and some herbicides and algaecides are available for public purchase. Though herbicides and algaecides are highly effective at eliminating weeds and algae, they are powerful products that require strict adherence to label guidelines, access to personal protective equipment, and a familiarity with local laws and regulations.
Identify Imbalances with Professional Water Quality Testing
Licensed professionals not only have comprehensive training on the use of these products, but they also have access to advanced laboratories to analyze water quality and identify root causes of growth. As part of an ongoing water quality testing program, scientists track nutrient levels, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, ammonia, and several other parameters.
Though DIY-ers can collect water samples and send them to independent labs, there is much more to sampling than filling a test tube. Samples can be affected by many factors, including time of day, weather, and the type of container used. And once the results are in, most DIY-ers will struggle to interpret the complex data or understand how to use it. That’s where a professional comes in. Experienced partners can help identify potential water quality imbalances and correctly implement management solutions to resolve them.
Optimize Aerators with Aeration Experts
Fountains and aerators, for example, are excellent tools to restore dissolved oxygen levels, but for maximum effectiveness, these systems require proper placement, size, horsepower, and maintenance. Professionals have advanced equipment like bathymetric mapping technologies and up-to-date training to help stakeholders choose the right systems and get optimal return on their investments.
Manage Excess Nutrients with State-of-the-art Equipment
Water quality tests may also reveal that weeds and algae are being fueled by excess nutrients. Professionals have access to specialized nutrient remediation products that DIY-ers are not licensed to apply, as well as state-of-the-art boats and equipment for applications and continual monitoring.
Repair Erosion Damage with Professional-grade Materials
Long-lasting shoreline stabilization is another key area requiring access to professional-grade materials such as bioengineered shoreline repair technology. Aquatic experts have the knowledge and experience to identify unique signs of erosion and areas that pose the biggest liability. Once a shoreline is repaired and reinforced with beneficial native plantings, professionals can monitor for invasive shoreline plants, which may closely resemble native species to the untrained eye.
Achieve Beautiful Water with Aquatic Experts
Ultimately, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to take charge of your waterbody, but without the support of science, it can be easy to misdirect time and funds towards the wrong solutions. When you partner with an aquatic expert, they can guide you every step of the way and help you save time and money through ongoing proactive maintenance and monitoring. Take the guesswork out of lake management and achieve beautiful, clean water by partnering with SOLitude.
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.
