How to Clear Lake Water

A lake is meant to be a pristine body of water filled with an abundance of wildlife and plants; it should be an idyllic spot to enjoy nature, relax, or entertain guests. Sadly, lakes have stagnant or slow-moving water and this makes them prone to accumulating algae, scum, and other organic debris which can turn your lovely lake into something that looks more like a swamp.

The good news is that lakes can be cleaned and cleared. Whether you’re a hands-on property owner or thinking about bringing in the pond maintenance pros from Aquatic Restoration, there are practical steps that can restore your lake’s pristine appearance.

Why does lake water get murky?

Before we get into the solutions, let’s understand why your lake water gets cloudy or green in the first place. Understanding these causes will help guide your approach to clearing up the water and preventing the problem from returning.

The fundamental reason why lakes get murky is because they have abysmal circulation. Lakes with poor circulation can become low in oxygen which encourages the growth of algae and harmful bacteria.

That lack of circulation mixed with nutrient runoff and soil erosion from the surrounding area can turn a small issue into a big problem. Fertilizers, animal waste, or decaying organic matter can introduce excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into the water. This triggers algae growth and muddies the waters.

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How to enjoy clear lake water

Now that we understand common causes, you can probably deduce what you need to do to clear the waters. The most effective way is to aerate the water. This involves introducing oxygen to the water. Fountains, diffused aeration systems, or surface aerators are great options for boosting circulation.

You can also reduce nutrient runoff and soil erosion by planting a buffer zone of native grasses and plants. To address the organic material, you can introduce beneficial bacteria that will help break down organic debris like dead leaves and even algae. Of course, it’s also important to reduce fertilizer use.

On tackling algae, floating plants like water lilies, duckweed, and water hyacinth can help by shading the surface and outcompeting algae for the excess nutrients. They can also be a problem when in excess, but these plants are more attractive and their growth should be monitored.

When to call in the professionals

While DIY methods can go a long way in maintaining a clean lake, there are times when calling in professionals can be a game-changer. A lake or retention pond maintenance professional can help by:

Dredging: This is an intensive process for removing the buildup from the lake bed, restoring depth, and reducing the nutrients that fuel algae growth.
Applying Chemical Treatment: Algaecides can safely target and eliminate algae that has become too widespread for natural treatments to handle.
Stabilizing Shores: Erosion control systems and permanent shoreline buffers including rocks, logs, or native plants can prevent soil from washing into the lake.

In short, professional lake managers can conduct thorough testing before recommending and implementing a management plan tailored to your lake. The specialists at Aquatic Restoration are here to help. Call or message us today to get in touch with a member of our team.

07 / Oct / 2024