Importance of Waste Processing Your Pond or Lake Water

No one wants their pond or lake to be littered with debris, nor do water supply companies want to take a chance on distributing water to clients that is unsafe to drink. Unfortunately, many bodies of water can be easily contaminated and filled with bacteria. For this reason, waste processing is a crucial component to maintaining the cleanliness and health of the water.

Maintaining Proper Water Chemistry

Achieving proper water chemistry is perhaps one of the most important pieces of the puzzle to maintain a certain level of health and safety of the water. The pH level should ideally be at 7, which is considered neutral and the ideal level for a pond. Anything above 7 is alkaline and anything below it is acidic. Any decaying organic matter will release nitrogen into the water which can be toxic to fish if the levels get too high. Any decomposing waste can produce phosphate, which is harmful to ponds.

Aeration

Fish food and waste can lead to an increase in nitrogen levels, but this can be dramatically reduced when aeration is provided and dissolved oxygen is infused to decay any waste. Fountains and waterfalls are popular pond products for aeration while also bringing a level of visual appeal to the pond. For deeper ponds, diffused aerators are best, as they use compressors to force air to the bottom of the pond, which is then is pushed out and up. When choosing the kind of aeration to use, consider pond depth and the availability of electricity. Ponds without access to electricity might not be able to support a fountain, unless you use solar technology.

Beneficial Bacteria

Any pond, no matter its size, can be helped along by beneficial bacteria. These bacteria assist in breaking down organic waste and converting toxins into nitrate. Even though these beneficial bacteria occur naturally, particularly in larger bodies of water, it’s still useful to add it to ponds when waste levels become much too high for the health of the water. When this happens, it can be challenging for aerobic bacteria to keep up.

Using professional pond cleaning services, such as American Underwater Services, can help ensure that your pond or lake is kept clean and safe on your property.