Project: 2 acre residential storm-water basin
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance rooted aquatic plants
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Loss of recreational activities
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Lake and Pond Colorant
- Routine monitoring services - monthly
Other Management Tools – NONE
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC was contacted by this client to attend their annual homeowner’s association meeting to educate them on what options are available to manage their pond. The season before WLPR was hired, the pond was 70% covered with nuisance algae and sago pondweed. The nuisance growth severely reduced aesthetics and restricted recreational activities such as fishing and canoeing. WLPR began using pond dyes and timely herbicide applications. Since the time we started managing this pond, we have reduced pesticide use by 50%.
Project: 1 acre commercial retention basin
Primary Concerns
- Exotic rooted aquatic plant – curly leaf pondweed
- Nuisance algae blooms
- High phosphate levels
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Lake and Pond Colorant
- Polymer Blocks
- Phosclear
- Routine monitoring services - monthly
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC performed a minor water test on this pond and discovered that phosphorous levels were very high. Due to the high nutrient runoff from the watershed, nuisance algae blooms were common. WLPR implemented a no-phosphorous program for the client and started using phosphate reduction agents in the pond on a regular basis. Since we began implementing those tools, algaecide use has been reduced by 75%. Seasonal herbicide applications are still performed when curly-leaf pondweed is detected. We have been able to decrease our monitoring schedule to monthly due to the reduction in algae blooms.
Project: 10 acre residential/commercial decorative water feature
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance rooted aquatic plants
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Maintain sound water quality
- Aesthetics
- Swimming (2 swim beaches)
- Fishing (Diverse quality fishery present)
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Sediment Reducing Bacteria, Water Quality Enzymes, and Water Clarity Bacteria
- Routine monitoring services - weekly
Other Management Tools – NONE
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC provides intense management services for this client. This body of water is the focal point of many businesses, tourist activities, and residential activities including swimming and fishing. We rely on weekly applications of enzyme and bacterial agents to preserve water quality and water clarity. Shoreline algae; while minimal, is micro-managed with very small amounts of algaecide. Aquatic plant management is a critical part of our efforts. A balance of native aquatic plants is preserved for water quality and fishery habitat and small scale treatments for exotic and/or nuisance native plants are performed.
In 2007 and 2008 nuisance algae blooms were rising due to runoff activities. As a result, algaecide amounts, while still low, were increasing. We increased the rate of bacteria to counter the increase in algae blooms and as a result, algaecide use is back down.
Project: 1 acre private recreational pond
Primary Concerns
- Maintain conditions to minimize nuisance algae blooms
- Maintain water quality
- Aesthetics
- Fishery Management
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Clarity Bacteria, Water Quality Enzymes, Lake and Pond Colorant
- Routine monitoring services – 2 week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
This pond was properly managed from the day it was built. It is now over 10 years old and we still use less than $100 worth of algaecides each season. Water quality is maintained with the use of bacteria and enzymes alone. This pond supports a quality fishery and swimming activities are high. This pond is a classic example that proper design and construction can play a major role in minimizing maintenance requirements.
Project: .25 acre commercial storm-water basin
Primary Concerns
- Shoreline cattails
- Organic sediment build-up
- Poor water quality
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Sediment Reducing Bacteria, Water Clarity Bacteria, Water Quality Enzymes
- Polymer Blocks
- Black Dye
- Routine monitoring services – 2 week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC was contacted when this pond was completely overgrown with cattails and reported to have a terrible odor. Runoff is common from area parking lots, corporate rooftops, and green space. We performed a minor survey on the pond and detected high levels of organic sediment levels in the pond basin. We aggressively aerated the pond and began using high levels of Sediment Bacteria and Water Quality Enzymes. Almost immediately the odor problems went away and water quality parameters improved. The cattails were treated and removed to encourage a diversity of other shoreline emergent’s.
We focus our efforts on reducing the level of organic sediment in this pond to increase storage capacity and prolong the time for vacuuming or dredging. With the combination of Sediment Reducing Bacteria pellets and enzymes, we have reduced sediment levels by 6” to date.
Project: .5 acre residential recreational pond
Primary Concerns
- Minimize algae blooms
- Maintain water quality
- Manage rooted aquatic plants
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Clarity Bacteria, Water Quality Enzymes, Lake and Pond Colorant
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC started managing this pond after it began experiencing unacceptable levels of nuisance algae blooms. We implemented Water Clarity bacteria and Water Quality enzymes on a regular basis. Coupled with very timely applications of algaecides, we significantly reduced the amount of algae on the pond. We were able to switch the management efforts back to the client after instructing them how to apply the products. We have not had to treat algae for this client the past two years.
Project: .2 Acre private water feature
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Poor water quality
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Quality Enzymes, Water Clarity Bacteria, Lake and Pond Colorant, Sediment Reducing Bacteria
- Polymer Blocks
- Routine Monitoring services – 2 week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
This unique water feature is very small but contains a very healthy ecosystem which unfortunately supported significant algae blooms. We targeted the blooms by reducing the phosphorous levels and implemented bacteria and enzymes on a very aggressive schedule. The algae was treated with algaecides and the frequency and intensity of treatments significantly went down. This water feature was once an eyesore for the client has now been turned into an accent piece in their landscaping.
In 2008, the lily pads started to grow outside their boundaries and herbicides were used to minimize spreading to unwanted areas within the pond.
Project: 1 acre private recreational pond
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Poor water quality and clarity
- Loss of recreational activities
- Poor aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Clarity bacteria, Water Quality enzymes, Phosclear and Polymer blocks.
- Routine Monitoring services- 2 week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC has been managing this pond for many years. The pond continually experienced algae blooms and even with aggressive management, algae was still the predominant species. We consulted with the client to have the pond dredged and that occurred in 2004. This pond supports a quality fishery and management of the fishery is a high priority for the client. We utilize many bacterial agents to manage algae blooms while concentrating on not stunting growth rates of the fish. While we are on site, we are very proactive and treat shoreline algae growth prior to it becoming a concern. Even though we treat algae more frequently we are using smaller amounts of algaecide each time. This process has less negative effects on the ecosystem than less frequent higher intensity treatments.
Project: 3 acre private recreational pond
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Poor water quality
- Loss of recreational activities
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Lake and Pond Colorant
- Phosclear
- Alum
- Routine Monitoring services – 2-week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC was hired to address the significant algae blooms that occurred on this pond. The season before we were hired, algaecide applications performed by another firm were over $6000. We immediately performed a minor study on the pond and discovered that the pond was quite shallow and supported a large littoral zone. We also detected high levels of phosphorous in the water and in the high organic laden substrate. During our first season, we installed an aeration system and applied liquid alum in early spring. We did not treat any algae the first season so we could monitor the results of the alum and aeration. Algae blooms were cut by 80% according to the client. We continue to focus on reducing phosphorous in the pond and algae blooms have moderated requiring 1-3 light algaecide applications per season.
Project: 3.5 acre
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Poor water quality
- Loss of recreational activities
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Quality Enzymes, Water Clarity Bacteria, Sediment Reducing Bacteria, Lake and Pond Colorant
- Phosclear
- Routine monitoring services – 2 week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
This pond was being treated aggressively with algaecides and algae blooms were out of control. The association decided to change direction and look into why the algae blooms were so severe and not continue to rely on algaecides as their only management tool. We recommended they perform a minor study on the pond. It was discovered that there were high phosphorous levels and lack of a balanced aquatic plant community. We determined that a major contributing factor was the amount of phosphorous based fertilizers being applied to the resident’s lawns along with other non-point source areas in the watershed. WLPR consulted with the board of directors and educated them on the effects of runoff and its relationship to nuisance algae blooms. They implemented a no-phosphorous fertilizer plan and encouraged the residents to not use phosphorous on their lawns. Alum was applied to the pond in 2004. Bacteria and enzymes were also used in select trouble areas. As a result, algaecide use significantly dropped. We continue to see spikes in phosphorous levels and contribute that to non-point source pollution from the watershed. Alum based products are routinely used in conjunction with whole lake enzyme applications and spot treatments with bacterial agents. Dye levels are strictly monitored throughout the season. Due to the IPM approach, algaecide use was reduced by up to 80%. In addition, the residents are using the pond on a regular basis again due to the improvement in water quality.
Project: Three residential retention ponds: 2.5 acre, .75 acre, and .12 acre
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Poor water quality
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Clarity Bacteria, Water Quality Enzymes, Sediment Reducing Bacteria, Lake and Pond Colorant
- Phosclear and alum based products
- Routine Monitoring services- 2-week
Other Management Tools – Aeration and decorative fountains
Overview
These ponds provide many challenges. Primarily, they are quite shallow and aged. One pond in particular is very difficult to manage due to the tremendous turnover during a rain event. This pond receives runoff from a very large watershed and the residents cannot control the activities in this watershed. When we began managing the ponds, the only management being performed was algaecide/herbicide applications. Algae blooms were frequent and covered a majority of the ponds. We implemented an IPM approach and the ponds quickly responded. Due to the turnover in the large pond, we are still unable to utilize many options other than timely algaecide applications. We have performed alum applications as a means to reduce the phosphorous after large rain events. This site is a case where the condition of the ponds is poor and as a result, algae blooms are still a common occurrence. However, with the change in the management approach, water quality parameters have significantly improved, the overall appearance of the ponds has improved, and the frequency and intensity of the algae blooms have been significantly reduced.
Project: .33 acre private recreational pond
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Poor water quality
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Clarity Bacteria, Water Quality Enzymes, Sediment Reducing Bacteria, Lake and Pond Colorant
- Polymer Blocks
- Routine site monitoring - monthly
Other Management Tools – Aeration and decorative fountain
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC began working with this client in 2007. The client indicated that algae blooms were frequent but not extreme and aesthetics has declined over the years. This self-contained pond was an ideal candidate for Wisconsin Pond Products. The first year we treated very little algae, and most of the chemical use was for nuisance sago-pondweed. Unfortunately, this pond was flooded from the surrounding agricultural fields during the heavy rains in 2008. We utilized alum based products and Polymer Blocks in the spring of 2009 after the pond tested very high in phosphorous. We quickly lowered the phosphorous and algae blooms were negligible that season.
Project: .75 acre private swim pond with a synthetic liner
Primary Concerns
- Maintain water quality
- Reduce algae blooms to a minimum
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Clarity Bacteria and enzyme blend, Sediment Reducing Bacteria, Lake and Pond Colorant
- Polymer Blocks
- Routine site monitoring - monthly
Other Management Tools – Aeration and (2) decorative fountains; injection system
Overview
This pond was built as a swim pond coupled as an aesthetic feature in their yard. Due to proper construction techniques, all overland flow was directed away from the pond. There is a minimal amount of organic based materials that are able to enter this pond except wind blown particles. Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC installed aeration and coupled it with an injection system to evenly distribute the bacteria and enzyme blend. We also installed the polymer blocks to strip any phosphorous that may enter the system since the pond does not support any aquatic plants or fish. We treat very little algae and most treatments are done using small amounts of granular algaecides for algae we see in the rocks. Water clarity is about 12’ (you can actually see the wrinkles of the liner at the deepest location) and conditions for swimming are perfect. The key factor in this pond is eliminating any and all runoff from the surrounding lawns which receive synthetic fertilizers.
Project: 1 acre private recreational pond
Primary Concerns
- Excessive chara growth
- High levels of organic sediment
- Poor water quality
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Quality Enzymes, Sediment Reducing Bacteria,
- Polymer Blocks
- Routine Monitoring services – 2-week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC was contacted to help this customer increase water depth but we were informed that dredging was not an option. We obtained sediment depths, composition, and water quality data. The total water depth was 8-10’ but chara growth was 4’ up from the bottom, limiting the total area of the pond. In addition, soft sediment levels were 12-18” and contained high amounts of organic compounds. We encourage chara growth in most ponds, however this was excessive. Too much chara growth can hinder the fishery, accelerate organic sediment build-up, and restrict many recreational activities.
We began aggressively treating the chara with Cutrine granular each month. On alternating treatments we aggressively apply Sediment Reducing Bacteria pellets coupled with Water Quality Enzymes. Over the past three years we have reduced soft sediment to an average of 6” throughout the pond. The chara averages 1 foot thick, and water quality parameters are very good with minimal surface algae blooms. The client is again able to fish and swim in the pond; in fact the sizes of the game fish are increasing due to their ability to find the bait fish.
Project: .33 acre private recreational pond
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Poor water quality
- Improved fishery
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Clarity Bacteria, Water Quality Enzymes, Sediment Reducing Bacteria, Lake and Pond Colorant
- Polymer Blocks
- Routine Monitoring services –. 2-week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC has been assisting this client for several years. The goals were to develop a quality fishery while maintaining aesthetics and water quality. The primary concerns we discovered were the frequency of algae blooms after a minor treatment. On occasion, we also need to manage rooted aquatic plants and keep them from developing into a nuisance. We focus on maintaining sufficient levels of bacteria and enzymes in the pond. When algae is present, light applications are sufficient. Due to the clarity, we are able to detect rooted aquatic plants and we treat them before they become a nuisance. By being selective in our treatment protocol, we are able to maintain a balance of aquatic plants without allowing them to overtake the pond. Since we stocked the pond initially, the hybrid bluegills that have been harvested are over 10” and weigh 1 lb.+!
Project: 1 acre private swim and recreational pond
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance algae
- Maintain sound water quality
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Clarity Bacteria, Water Quality Enzymes
- Routine monitoring services – 2 week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
This pond is a typical backyard pond that is primarily used for swimming and fishing. Kids and guests rely on good water quality so they can swim at their leisure during the summer months, yet they can throw a line in and be guaranteed to catch fish. Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC manages the pond with routine applications of Water Clarity bacteria and Water Quality enzymes. Minor algaecide applications are performed as required. Routing supplemental stocking is performed on a regular basis. This pond was properly built, the watershed is strictly managed, and management is well planned but very basic.
Project: .75 acre residential aesthetic pond
Primary Concerns
- Nuisance algae blooms
- Organic sediment
- Dense chara mats
- Pond odors
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Sediment Reducing Bacteria, Water Clarity Bacteria, Water Quality Enzymes
- Polymer Blocks
- Black Dye
- Routine monitoring services – 2 week
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC was hired to evaluate this pond and provide a workable management plan. Before we put our boats in the pond we identified several concerns that would hinder our efforts. The pond is very shallow, supports a dense mat of chara and contains 1-2’ of organic sediment. An aeration system was installed to aid in the management efforts. During our first season we implemented Sediment Reducing bacteria pellets and polymer blocks as our primary management tools. The chara was treated with a granular algaecide to stunt its growth. After the first season, the residents commented that the pond had never looked so good nuisance algae blooms were significantly reduced. We will continue to treat the chara until it is controlled and alternate treatments with bacteria pellets to work at depleting the depth of the soft sediment. This will be a multi-year project until their goals are reached.
Project: Two 1.5 acre residential retention ponds
Primary Concerns
- Duckweed
- Filamentous algae
- Organic sediment
- Poor water quality
- Aesthetics
Integrated Pond Management tools:
- Wisconsin Pond Products Water Quality Enzymes
- Phosclear
- Polymer Blocks
- Black Dye
- Routine monitoring services – monthly
Other Management Tools – Aeration
Overview
These ponds are situated within a dense wooded environment and receive significant input from leaves each year. In addition, run-off from two large agricultural fields and resident’s lawns enter the ponds. Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource LLC evaluated the ponds during the summer of 2006 and performed a large-scale study. We found that the ponds were quite aged, approximately 12’ in depth, and contained a significant layer of organic sediment. A balance of aquatic plants was present; however filamentous algae was the dominant specie. One of the two ponds was completely covered with a mixture of duckweed and filamentous algae. We developed a management approach to treat the duckweed with herbicides; reduce and maintain phosphorous with alum; and treat algae as required with algaecides. Aeration was installed during the spring of 2007. We applied the alum and enzymes to the ponds very early in the season. We also added a black dye to improve the color of the water and to maintain a natural appearance. We were pleasantly surprised that due to a shift in the ponds environment, duckweed did not grow that season and we have not treated any duckweed to date. Filamentous algae has been limited to shoreline concentrations and minor treatments are performed as needed. The residents are restocking with fish since they can once again enjoy the benefits of the ponds. Some residents have even opened up the view to the ponds by removing trees that were used to block their view of the pond because they were such an eyesore.
