A Pond-Management Safety Checklist
Have you crossed off these five items?
By Trent Nelson
Photos: SOLitude Lake Management
Lakes and ponds are highly valued in communities for stormwater collection, fishing, swimming, boating, and spending quality time with family and friends. People rely on the health, functionality, and beauty of freshwater resources for long-lasting happiness. While connecting with nature around these systems, it’s still important to remember safety. In addition to standard safety tools, like lifejackets, first-aid kits, fencing, and posted signage, there are considerations in addressing the maintenance needs of a community lake or pond.
1. Identify and prevent toxic algae. While it is natural for some harmless algae to be present in lakes and ponds, not all forms are safe. Cyanobacteria—sometimes known as blue-green algae—can produce harmful toxins that have been known to kill fish, wildlife, dogs, and other animals. Likewise, scientists believe that exposure to these toxins can contribute to the development of neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Before anyone is swimming, fishing, or spending time around the water, it’s important to make sure dangerous cyanobacteria are not present.
Regular water-quality assessments can help ensure water bodies are safe for the whole family to enjoy. Professional testing can be used to not only identify the presence of toxins, but also uncover water-quality imbalances that may be fueling cyanobacteria development. With this knowledge, you can work with a professional lake manager to design a proactive lake- and pond-management plan that helps prevent harmful algal blooms.
2. Identify and remove invasive aquatic weeds. Lakes and ponds are robust ecosystems that are home to an abundance of aquatic plant life. Unfortunately, the spread of invasive species in recent years has led to an increase in nuisance weeds within freshwater environments. Common aquatic weed species include milfoil, water chestnut, hydrilla, torpedograss, giant Salvinia, and many others. In addition to displacing native wildlife, these plants can entangle swimmers, boat propellers, and fish hooks. They can also clog important stormwater equipment.
The best way to prevent the growth of invasive lake and pond weeds is through proactive management and community education. Consider sharing identification techniques with neighbors, and make a point to check boats and recreational equipment for invasive-weed fragments before entering the water. If an infestation is already present, aquatic herbicides may be required to manage the growth. Luckily, advanced herbicide technologies have made invasive-species control more efficient, more sustainable, and longer-lasting.
3. Restore eroded shorelines. No matter the health of a lake or pond, a poor shoreline can prevent people from truly enjoying the waterbody. Shoreline problems are generally caused by erosion, which can result from excessive stormwater runoff, tree-root growth, the presence of nuisance species, or simply overuse. No matter the cause, shoreline erosion can be dangerous for individuals using a lake or pond. This issue can also cause sediment build-up in the waterbody, reducing depth and causing the development of muck.
Prevention is the most effective way to avoid harmful erosion issues. Introducing a beneficial buffer of native plants and grasses can help stabilize sediment, slow stormwater runoff, and filter pollutants. By allowing these buffers to grow around 18 inches tall and 3 to 5 feet from the shoreline, communities can prevent geese and other nuisance species from congregating. For existing shoreline damage, bioengineered living shorelines, using a knitted mesh system, can be installed to reshape and protect property along the water’s edge, while seamlessly integrating to the surrounding landscape. These systems are eco-friendly and patented, and will not rip or lose integrity over time.
4. Manage mosquito populations. Spending time on the water at sunset is one of life’s great pleasures, but these peaceful experiences can be completely interrupted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not just an irritating distraction, but can carry diseases like West Nile Virus, Dengue, Zika, and others in various regions of the country. While these occurrences are rare, they can still be deadly.
Luckily, there are several preventative measures to reduce mosquito populations around water resources. Because these populations breed in stagnant water, it can be extremely beneficial to introduce a fountain or aeration system to encourage water circulation. Likewise, minnows or mosquitofish can be stocked to consume their eggs before they hatch. And, if you maintain a native shoreline buffer(discussed before), you’re more likely to attract beneficial dragonflies that feed on the adult mosquitoes. Finally, if you still need a supplemental solution after taking these proactive management steps, eco-friendly larvicides can be applied by a professional to achieve more consistent control.
5. Be aware of the structures below the water. A lot can be going on below the surface of the water. Beyond invasive plants and muck, a water body may contain large tree branches, trash, and other debris. Likewise, a lake or pond may have structures that were placed there when the pond was built, including stormwater equipment or fish habitat. Depending on how long a waterbody has been maintained, you may or may not be aware of these structures. Due to potential safety concerns, it’s important to understand where they are located and how they may impact experiences in or around the water.
Bathymetric mapping is a highly effective technique in identifying bottom structures and debris. Using satellite or GPS sensing technology, an aquatic-management professional can create a 3D model. Depending on the findings and your goals, a number of options are available to clear the bottom. Mechanical hydro-rakes can be used to scoop up muck and tree branches for outside disposal. Fisheries-management professionals can also safely remove unwanted fish habitat. And if stormwater equipment is in disrepair, a professional can be called in to ensure it will be in proper working condition to help reduce danger and flooding.
Water is something everyone uses and values, but it can still pose dangers. Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize the water’s enjoyment by ensuring a freshwater ecosystem is as healthy and safe as possible. With this peace of mind, you can focus on making treasured memories in, on, and around the water with friends, family, and the surrounding community.
Trent Nelson is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant with SOLitude Lake Management, an environmental firm providing sustainable lake, pond, wetland, and fisheries-management solutions.