5 Pond Management Safety Tips You Should Add To Your Checklist

Lake and pond management companies in Florida know how valuable those bodies of water are for collecting stormwater, fishing, swimming and bonding between friends and family. Humans need freshwater but we also need to be safe around it. Far beyond the usual safety equipment like life jackets, first aid and signage, there are several other tips you should consider with a lake or pond.

I D and Stop Toxic Algae 
Cyanobacteria, aka "blue-green algae," can kill animals. It and other chemicals like it can contribute to all sorts of neurological problems. Regular assessments can keep your waters safe for everyone. Professional testing can not only identify toxins but also inform you of imbalances in water quality, giving you the information to prevent new toxic blooms.

ID and Remove Invasive Species
Common aquatic species like milfoil, torpedograss and water chestnut not only displace the native fauna but it also clogs stormwater gear and risks snagging people, propellers and fishing hooks. The best prevention of invasive weed growth is through identifying problem plants and checking all equipment for bits of it before submerging. Long-lasting aquatic herbicides may be needed in cases where an infestation has started.

Restore Eroded Shorelines
Regardless of a pond's health, a weak shoreline is a problem. Erosion, caused by several different factors, can cause sediment to build up, making the water shallower and developing muck. Consider adding native plants and grasses for sediment stability, slowed stormwater runoff and as a means of filtering pollutants. These buffers work best when they reach 18 inches tall and are placed 3 to 5 feet from the shoreline. In cases where the damage has already been done, bioengineered living shorelines can be added, featuring a knit mesh, to reshape and secure property near the water while blending in with the terrain.

Mind The Mosquitoes
Beyond being annoying, mosquitoes are a well-known vector for disease. Since mosquitoes only breed in stagnant water, a fountain or other aeration system can circulate your waters. You may also consider keeping minnows or mosquitofish on hand to consume the bugs' eggs before hatching. The aforementioned living shoreline mesh also draws dragonflies, known predators of mosquitoes. One final step to stopping mosquitoes would be larvicides.

Know What Lurks Beneath
Lots of things can happen beneath the waterline, like large branches, trash and debris. Some bodies may even contain structures that were implanted when the pond was made, like stormwater equipment or fish habitats. Because of the chance of something going wrong, you should always know what and where such structures are found within your pond.

Bathymetric mapping can identify structures and debris at the bottom of a body of water, creating a 3D model. Depending on what your discover, you can pursue hydro-raking to clear muck and tree branches, a fishery to safely migrate undesired fish habitats or hiring a professional to fix damaged stormwater gear.
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Water is something that everyone needs but it can be endangered. Do your best to keep your freshwater ecosystems as safe and healthy as viable.