Could your WATER SOURCE be your PROBLEM source?
“My fish are dying, HELP!” Much of our experience and research throughout the years has taught us that when desired aquatic life dies it is from a lack of oxygen. This is typically due to an abundance of decomposing organic matter and the presence of unwanted aquatic weeds and algae that can cause oxygen levels to crash at different times of the day or night.
These symptoms are usually indicative of something more problematic and can be tracked to one place, the source of your water. Most people do not have a choice of where their water comes from, so you are stuck with what you have available. Below we will discuss are 3 main some of the most common types of water sources, and the risks or problems associated with each.
With much of the nation dealing with drought or flooding, many are getting more creative with the source of water supply to their aquatic environments. 3 common solutions are well-water, spring-fed-water and irrigation/ditch water. All are very viable resources, but can present different problems.
- 1st Water Source: Well water is an important resource, especially in drier areas of the country. A common issue we find with well water as a resource for your pond or lake is that it can be loaded with nutrients, especially nitrates. Most wells are tested but mostly for drinking water standards. This often leads to a false sense of security that the water is fine for drinking, so it must be great for my lake. In most situations, the well water coming up from the depths is also low or devoid of oxygen, which can pose a different set of problems.
- 2nd Water Source: In rural areas, raw irrigation or “ditch water” is commonly available and easy to get. This water typically comes from large storage reservoirs and makes its way to your pond or lake through a series of canals and ditches. As this water makes its voyage to your beloved pond, it picks up nutrients, organic solids and clay. All of which have a negative effect on water quality or clarity. Suspended clay particles can be particularly hard to deal with. These negatively charged particles are very small in size and will not settle out, leaving the water a cloudy tan to brown color.
- 3rd Water Source: Many think that a spring fed pond or lake has no risk because it is natural. Spring fed water is typically from surface water that has infiltrated the ground. It travels underground until the water flows up and into a pond or lake. Not only do you get water, but other nutrients, minerals and even bacteria, both good and possibly harmful. We recommend water testing to determine what might be coming in. What the results are of these tests determines the best formula for clean healthy water. The quality of the water is dependent upon where the water came from and where it traveled.
For precautionary reasons, we recommend testing your all sources of water before introducing aquatic life.
No matter what type of water source you have or what kind of problems you are dealing with, we can help. Contact us today to and let us help you create a water management program for your pond or lake!
Resources:
http://www.sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu/shared/learnmore.asp?toolsection=lm_lakelevels
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