Four Things You May Not Know Are in Your Pond By Trent Nelson, Aquatic Specialist at SOLitude Lake Management
When golfing, fishing, or walking around the water, we are able to connect with nature and peer into the aquatic ecosystems around us. But what lies below the water can sometimes be a mystery. Often, the things you can’t see are the most important contributors to the health and beauty of the waterbodies we rely on for stormwater collection, irrigation, and recreation.
Stormwater Pond Equipment
Lakes and ponds are usually created naturally, but sometimes they are man-made for a number of purposes, including as stormwater management. Many important components in a stormwater pond—some of which are located under the water—
help regulate water levels, filter debris, and prevent flooding. All of these structural components require frequent maintenance to ensure the continued integrity and functionality of the waterbody. If you’re not sure if your waterbody has been designed to manage stormwater runoff, be sure to ask a professional to identify and determine your maintenance responsibilities. No matter the case, taking some small, proactive steps can help protect these important stormwater management ponds on your property. Be sure to pick up trash and debris to prevent clogging. Limit pollutants by picking out any animal waste and lawn clippings. And allow
native plants and grasses to grow 3–5 feet out from the shoreline to help filter runoff and deter nuisance species like geese.
Slopes and Contours
Over time, all lakes and ponds become inundated with sediment, debris, and organic pollutants that decompose and create bottom muck and sludge. Eventually, this build-up can completely change the bottom of the waterbody by creating new contours and valleys under the surface. This not only reduces overall depth, but it can result in dangerous flooding, poor water quality, and reduced habitat for native species. Eventually, dredging will be required to restore the waterbody. Pond sediment removal costs can be substantial, so it’s wise to gather knowledge about the rate at which muck is developing. Bathymetry, which is a process that creates a detailed map of the bottom of a water body, is a great way to track sedimentation and can aid in designing a management plan to proactively limit muck accumulation. Common preventative strategies include mechanical hydro-raking, management of eroded shorelines, and biological bacteria applications.
Submerged Plant Species
We’ve grown accustomed to seeing algae and invasive water plants such as duckweed and water chestnut on
Bathymetric lake mapping.
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