Maintaining Beautiful, Safe Water

There are some initial visual ways to determine if a pond is safe for swimming. Stakeholders can use basic observatory skills and judgment to identify potential “red flags” of unsafe waters and implement management solutions to improve water quality. 

Water color is a good primary indicator of water quality; if it is noticeably different or unusual (i.e. pea soup-looking), there may be an issue. Although green water may indicate an algae bloom, not all algae are green and some can produce harmful toxins that are fatal to fish and dogs and cause serious illness. Science also suggests a connection between algal toxins and the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Harmful Algal Blooms such as cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can appear in parallel streaks or clumped dots. Other blooms may look like oily blue, red, gold, or white paint. Algal toxins can also produce foul odors and taste compounds in drinking water. These and other signs indicate that the waterbody may be unfit for use and require professional water quality tests and management.

Ultimately, the most reliable approach for validating safe water is periodic water quality analysis. Professional water quality experts can identify problematic conditions, such as poor dissolved oxygen levels or imbalanced pH, and implement maintenance strategies to keep it safe for recreation at all times.

Deep water can be beneficial in ponds. In fact, deeper water is usually desirable. Greater depths are often associated with fewer flooding events, more abundant fish and wildlife, and in some cases, less algae and odor problems. Ponds with greater depth are also deemed “younger,” meaning they shouldn’t require dredging for many years. This is a process of muck and sediment removal that restores an aging pond, but is associated with significant costs and downtime.

Eroded shorelines can pose many hazards and leave property owners and managers liable if a fall or accident occurs. Installing docks and gazebos around the water is an excellent way to more safely enjoy fishing and nature watching. It’s also beneficial to establish clear, durable paths to the water to prevent people and pets from venturing into unsafe areas. This can be accomplished naturally by introducing beneficial plants like blueflag iris, cardinal flower, and native sedges and rushes. Allowing them to grow at least knee high and several feet out from the shoreline will create a visually-appealing buffer that also stabilizes sediment. If the shoreline has eroded significantly, professional bioengineering solutions may be required to restore stability and aesthetics.

It’s important to educate residents on these potential risks, but also, about general water safety. Knowledgeable residents and children are able to make more informed decisions and be more vigilant. It’s essential for community owners and managers to post proper signage around water resources as required for stormwater compliance. Likewise, it’s important to wear life jackets, use sunscreen, avoid diving and running near the water, refrain from swimming past dusk, and make sure a lifeguard or chaperone is always present. If you suspect the water may contain hidden dangers, refrain from recreation until a professional inspection is completed.

Fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating are some of the highlights of summer and everyone deserves to have peace of mind when spending a day on the water. While good judgment and observation can offer a lot of information about the safety of a pond, responsible maintenance will make the biggest difference. Pond management is most impactful and cost-effective when conducted on a consistent basis. Through a professional Annual Management Program, experts can monitor aquatic conditions, identify potential hazards, and implement nutrient remediation, biological bacteria applications, fountains and aerators, and sediment removal to prevent problems before they occur – so you can focus on making lasting memories with pets and loved ones.