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“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”

“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”
“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”
Sometimes, aquatic management is viewed as a frivolous or unnecessary expense for a community. “My lake looks fine, why should I pay to have someone take care of it?” Unfortunately, that assessment is rarely made taking into account the whole water body.
Most people that live on lakes also see them differently than someone who maintains them. The difference is homeowners tend to look “at” the water, where as waterway managers look “in” the water. Too often people put off lake maintenance until they see a problem and weed populations have already become established. Long term management at that point becomes more expensive and time consuming, with total elimination of the problem almost impossible.
An important fact that many overlook is that the lakes on their property serve another purpose other than a nice view. They are actually man made stormwater retention areas . When communities are built, the lakes are carefully designed to hold a certain amount of stormwater. Water bodies filled with weeds no longer have the correct capacity, potentially causing neighborhood flooding during storms. Algae is another constant nuisance in South Florida lakes. Because of our warm waters and long sunny seasons, algae can spread very rapidly and unpredictably.
As a property owner or property manager, it’s valuable to have a company that will respond to these unexpected outbreaks. Every lake matures differently, and it takes a combination of experience and expertise to maintain a healthy balance as changes occur.
Allstate Resource Management’s staff is always there to answer your questions and works to ensure excellent results in any lake management situation. 
Contact us today on how we can help your community lake!
Direct: 954-382-9766

 

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Discover how to proactively manage your water…Stay Ahead of Algae & Enjoy Beautiful Water

Discover how to proactively manage your water…Stay Ahead of Algae & Enjoy Beautiful Water

  • Posted: Jun 14, 2022
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Neglecting to stay on top of water quality issues may require reactive management approaches like herbicides and algaecides. Though these tools are effective, they are only treating the symptom of a bigger issue…

Proactive, natural solutions like aeration or beneficial buffers can help balance water quality, giving you the beautiful, clean water you deserve to enjoy.

Managing Nuisance Pond Algae Without Algaecides

Written by Industry Expert Gavin Ferris, Ecologist 

I frequently use herbicides and algaecides in my line of work. Having attended college and graduate school to be an Ecologist, it isn’t something I thought I would do very often, but with the frequency of environmental problems that involve invasive flora, nuisance aquatic weeds and potentially-toxic algae, EPA-registered herbicides and algaecides are an invaluable tool. There are, however, times when their use is impractical, imprudent, illegal or impossible. Maybe the HOA or property manager prefers that herbicides not be applied to nearby waters. Perhaps the regulatory bodies in a given area aren’t permitting the use of certain products. Whatever the reason, sometimes this option just isn’t on the table. But how do we effectively manage algae and aquatic weeds without herbicides and algaecides?

I employ a simple concept that I call the algae triangle, though it works for all forms of vegetation.If you had the same fire safety lessons in elementary school, you may remember the Fire Triangle, which is based on the idea that three elements are necessary for fire: fuel, oxygen and heat. If you have enough of all three, you’ll ignite a fire. Eliminate any corner of the triangle, and the fire goes out. Similarly, if you have water, sunlight and nutrients, you’ll likely develop some form of algae or vegetation. If the triangle becomes too imbalanced, the resulting plant species can become a nuisance.

Obviously, in the lake management and pond maintenance field, we aren’t removing water from the equation, so establishing balance between each factor is the focus. Putting this concept into practice means understanding how sunlight and nutrients affect the ecology of the waterbody in question. Communities have several natural options to help mitigate against algae and aquatic weed growth, including limiting sunlight, improving water circulation and reducing excess nutrients.

How Algae and Nuisance Weeds Thrive

If a stormwater pond receives full sunlight during the growing season, this directly impacts plants and algae by increasing water temperatures and providing the light necessary for photosynthesis. To prevent sunlight from penetrating the water column and stimulating the growth of deep submersed plants and benthic algae, water levels can be increased. Dredging is an effective strategy to increase the depth of a lake or pond, however, it is often the costliest project a community will ever face. Instead, proactive hydro-raking can help maintain existing water depths and prolong the need for dredging by removing unconsolidated muck and organic debris from the bottom of a lake or stormwater pond. Likewise, blue or black pond dye can be applied to reflect sunlight. Pond dye can enhance the aesthetics of a waterbody while simultaneously absorbing sunlight before it can penetrate the waterbody and fuel excessive plant growth.

In addition to thriving in water that receives lots of sunlight, algae and nuisance weeds also flourish in stratified waterbodies. A stagnant, sun-warmed layer floating on top of colder, deeper water can serve as a perfect habitat for undesirable species. Circulation with a diffused aeration system breaks this stratification and allows the water to mix more evenly, resulting in more consistent temperatures and less warming in the sunlit portions of the water. Aeration is also effective at improving the health of an aquatic ecosystem in a number of other ways, such as preventing oxygen depletion and fish kills, improving beneficial bacteria levels, and preventing the release of excess nutrients from the sediment. This brings us to the real meat and potatoes of preventative maintenance: nutrient management.

Managing Excess Nutrients in the Water

Phosphorus is the most important nutrient contributing to excess vegetation in lakes and stormwater ponds, and it can enter the water column in runoff containing lawn fertilizers, grass clippings, pet droppings, and waste from faulty septic systems. A number of nutrient reduction strategies should be considered if water quality tests reveal nutrient levels are too high. A professional lake manager can apply beneficial bacteria to the waterbody to utilize nutrients that would otherwise be available for plant and algae growth. Water quality can also be amended by using products that bind with phosphorus to keep it from becoming fuel for nuisance plants. Additionally, strategically planting desirable buffer vegetation around the shore of the waterbody can help to intercept phosphorus before it enters the water and is absorbed by unwanted vegetation. Your lake manager can help identify buffer plants that are native to your region.

When it comes to quickly and effectively managing nuisance aquatic weeds and algae, EPA-registered herbicides and algaecides can be very useful, and in many instances, they are the safest and most practical option available. Nonetheless, natural and proactive pond maintenance techniques can be tremendously effective at improving the health and appearance of almost any community waterbody before a problem occurs, which is why it’s important for homeowners associations and property managers to consider sustainable and holistic plant management methods whenever possible.

SCHEDULE AN ASSESSMENT

SOLitude Lake Management
Josh McGarry
Business Development Consultant
SOLitude Lake Management
Info@solitudelake.com
(888)480-5253

 

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Stormwater Specialists can help make sure your HOA’s storm drains are operating properly!

Stormwater Specialists can help make sure your HOA’s storm drains are operating properly!

  • Posted: Jun 08, 2022
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Rain rain… finally went away…
Did your phone ring this weekend?

“The parking lot is flooded!”

Can’t remember when the last time you had an inspection and cleaning of your HOA storm drains? We can help!
Contact us today to find out how our Stormwater Specialists can help make sure your HOA’s storm drains are operating properly!
Contact Information:
954-382-9766
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Allstate Resource Management | 6900 S.W. 21st Court, Bldg. 9, Davie, FL 33404
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Restore your lake with hydro-raking and enjoy it for years to come. by SOLitude

Restore your lake with hydro-raking and enjoy it for years to come. by SOLitude

  • Posted: Jun 07, 2022
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Hydro-raking helps prolong the longevity of lakes by scooping and removing aquatic weeds and dense muck from the water.

When you step into your lake, do you step into thick, foul-smelling muck? Maybe invasive weeds are hindering your view of the beautiful water?

Remove Nuisance Aquatic Plants and Accumulated Muck with Hydro-raking

Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, or swimming, nearly everyone has a lasting memory that centers around a great experience at a lake or pond. Unfortunately, the effects of time can slowly alter the appearance of a waterbody until it no longer resembles the place you fondly remember. Just as you age, lakes and ponds have a lifespan that is dependent on many factors, including vegetation growth, muck buildup, and more. If it is not properly managed, a body of water will eventually fill in with organic materials until it is no more than a small puddle. Luckily, there are strategies available to help restore the longevity of your favorite lake or pond.

Paragraph 2 - _hydro-rakes can operate.._

Hydro-raking is a tried and true solution to help restore mature waterbodies.

Hydro-rakes can operate in most bodies of water, including those as shallow as 18 inches, and up to depths of 10 feet. A hydro-rake is best described as a floating barge containing a mounted backhoe arm (boom and dipper) with a York rake attachment. These attachments are used to scoop organic materials out of the waterbody, with the ultimate goal of improving water quality, increasing water volume, reducing bad odors, and creating a healthier, more balanced aquatic ecosystem. Most often, this entails the removal of decaying organic matter, leaf litter, tree branches, nuisance or invasive plant species, and other debris from the waterbody.

Paragraph 3 - While native aquatic plants...

Invasive Plant Removal

While native aquatic plants are often beneficial for lakes and ponds, the presence of certain nuisance and invasive species can cause the balance of an ecosystem to spiral out of control. Invasive milfoil, fanwort, and water chestnut, for instance, create dense mats in the water that block sunlight and exhaust dissolved oxygen. These invasive plants reproduce rapidly through both seed propagation and fragmentation. Native plants like cattails and water lilies can also be considered undesirable, depending on the extent of growth and the management goals for the waterbody. Lake and pond owners may utilize hydro-raking to physically remove nuisance and invasive plants. Depending on the undesirable plants present, a professional lake manager may recommend time frames throughout the year most conducive to plant removal via hydro-rake. An effective hydro-raking project will be completed at times when plant fragmentation is least likely in order to ensure lasting results.

hydrorake tinkwig drip

Seasonal Control of Aquatic Weeds

A professional lake manager can design a hydro-raking plan that provides seasonal management of submersed plants and at least 2-3 years of management for floating leaf and emergent species. For particularly dense invasive species infestations, the strategic application of EPA-registered aquatic herbicides may also be necessary to ensure thorough management of the problematic plant. While hydro-raking serves as an effective management tool for the removal of rooted and submersed nuisance plant species, other species can be best managed with additional strategies, like mechanical harvesting, which targets algae and floating leaf plant species such as water hyacinth and giant salvinia.

hydro-raking filling the dredgesox

Utilizing Hydro-raking to Restore Eroded Shorelines

Your waterbody does not need to be overrun with undesirable plants to experience the positive results of a hydro-raking project. Often, it is the best management solution for lakes and ponds containing thick bottom sludge or years of accumulated muck. A hydro-rake can collect up to 500 pounds of muck in each scoop and deposit it on the shore for off-site disposal. Or, the muck can be used to reshape crumbling shorelines using a patented bio-engineered shoreline system called SOX Solutions.

organic muck removal - sediment removal services - dredging services - hydro-raking and mechanical harvesting

Removing Nutrient-Rich Organic Muck

The removal of this muck can be a critical turning point for a lake or pond suffering from poor water quality, bad odors, flooding issues, or nutrient pollution. As leaves, grass clippings, trash, and other debris are swept into a waterbody by runoff during rainstorms, they begin to decompose. This causes them to release unnaturally high levels of nutrients that fuel invasive plant infestations as well as Harmful Algal Blooms, which can produce dangerous toxins with suspected links to degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS.

The removal of this nutrient-rich organic material can prevent undesirable plant and algae growth while improving water quality and volume. Ultimately, the best method to ensure your lake or pond maintains its health is preventative management. Biological dredging, for instance, utilizes beneficial bacteria to naturally eliminate excess muck at the bottom of a waterbody. This management tool is excellent for lakes and ponds in need of minor spot dredging or upkeep. Other proactive strategies aimed at reducing muck build-up and nutrient loading include buffer management, nutrient remediation, and aeration tools.

Mechanical Dredge

Restoring Depth in Aging Waterbodies

Hydro-raking can be extremely effective at removing plant matter, organic material, and debris, but mechanical dredging or hydraulic dredging can serve as transformative solutions that will increase depths and remove plant fragments, sediment, and other debris from the site. Though typically thought of as costly and more disruptive, dredging is often the best approach for lakes and ponds that have been neglected or misused for long periods of time. And with the help of bathymetric mapping technology, your lake management professional can help you quantify the rate of sedimentation and predict when dredging will eventually need to take place. With this information, you can better budget for and strategize your future dredging project. It’s never too early—or late—to begin implementing strategies that restore your waterbody for lasting beauty and enjoyment for years to come!

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Allstate Resource Management offers full-service larvicide spraying and/or briquette treatments to attack the insect’s breeding ground.

Allstate Resource Management offers full-service larvicide spraying and/or briquette treatments to attack the insect’s breeding ground.

  • Posted: May 24, 2022
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Mosquitos or Midges BUGGING you?

Allstate Resource Management offers full-service larvicide spraying and/or briquette treatments to attack the insect’s breeding ground. We can also stock lakes and ponds with mosquitofish which is a long-term biological control method that is also environmentally sensitive.
There is nothing like mosquito bites or midges to take
the fun out of activities this summer!
Before mosquitos or midges “BUG” you contact us at:
Direct: 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagement.com
Mechanical harvesting vs. hydro-raking… Which tool is the best fit for your waterbody?

Mechanical harvesting vs. hydro-raking… Which tool is the best fit for your waterbody?

  • Posted: May 16, 2022
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Mechanical Weed Removal for Lakes & Ponds

Discover how to naturally manage aquatic weed growth in your waterbody via hydro-raking or mechanical harvesting.

The answer depends on several factors, including the type of vegetation you want to be removed.

Both solutions allow you to naturally remove nuisance aquatic weeds with instant results, but which one is best for your lake or pond?

 

Harvesting or Hydro-raking? Which Mechanical Pond Weed Removal Option is Right For You?

There is rarely one specific remedy for helping restore a waterbody. Often times, restoration includes a multiyear management program encompassing a combination of aquatic management tools and techniques, such as herbicide and algaecide treatments, nutrient remediation, aeration and biological augmentation. Mechanical removal is an additional management method that may be incorporated into a restoration program, and has a number of ecological benefits including nutrient mitigation, water circulation and open water habitat restoration.

Mechanical aquatic weed removal services encompasses two distinct management tools and approaches: aquatic weed harvesting and hydro-raking. While both provide ecological benefits, it is important to distinguish which option is better-suited for the specific management objectives of your lake or pond.

Before & After Mechanical Harvesting

  • Vegetation Removal via Harvesting
aquatic weed control - wetland invasive weeds - algae and aquatic weed control - hydro-raking - mechanical harvesting - water quality - before 1aquatic weed control - wetland invasive weeds - algae and aquatic weed control - hydro-raking - mechanical harvesting water quality - after 1

Mechanical Harvesting for Pond Weed Removal

The aquatic weed harvester is a floating barge that cuts and effectively removes nuisance vegetation and algae from the surface of the waterbody. The plant material is collected and then offloaded, either into a container to be transported offsite or to a designated onshore compost area.

Mechanical lake weed removal offers an eco-friendly solution that does not create temporary water use restrictions during or after the work. For sensitive aquatic ecosystems, it can act as an alternative to herbicides. Mechanical harvesting can be an ideal management option for annual plants that are invasive or at nuisance levels. The aquatic weed harvester has been proven effective on water chestnut (Trapa natans), giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), water soldier (Stratiotes aloides), and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).

Mechanical Harvesting In Action

Before & After Hydro-raking

  • Vegetation Removal via Hydro-raking
Before_Hydro-Raking Invasive Maidencane (1) - sediment removal and dredging servicesAfter_Hydro-raking Invasive Maidencane (1) - sediment removal and dredging services

Hydro-Raking for Pond Weed Removal

The hydro-rake is also a floating barge run by two hydraulic paddle wheels, but is equipped with a 12-foot hydraulic arm with a rake attachment that is used to rake the pond bottom and remove detritus, organic sediment and aquatic vegetation with attached root systems. The hydro-rake, having no on-board storage, must offload the collected material directly onshore or onto a transport barge for removal.

Hydro-raking can be an effective alternative to herbicide and algaecide applications, but it has also proven effective in unison with these treatments. When managing emergent or floating leaf species, such as common reed (Phragmites australis) or water lily (Nymphaea sp.), herbicide application is often the first management approach, followed by hydro-raking. Hydro-raking is commonly utilized after control, to collect the plant biomass and associated root structure, negating it from contributing to the organic matter substrate below. This approach has proven effective on a number of aquatic plants such as cattails (Typha sp.), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), watershield (Brasenia schreberi) and Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides).

Hydro-raking can also serve as a more environmentally friendly and cost effective alternative to dredging. Additionally, if a lake or pond is periodically maintained through hydro raking, the need to perform a large scale dredge project may be negated, saving financial resources and prolonging ecological disruption in the process.

Hydro-raking In Action

Benefits of Mechanical Lake Weed Removal

Both aquatic weed harvesting and hydro-raking collect plant biomass before it decomposes and contributes to the organic muck layer, maintaining or increasing overall water depth. In addition to the plant biomass, these mechanical options remove the associated nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) that contribute to increased plant and algae growth and, potentially, eutrophication.

These management techniques are used in a wide variety of projects on private, public and state waterbodies to help maintain or restore the open water space of shorelines, coves, inlets and outlets. Depending on the lake management objective and the target aquatic species for control, mechanical projects are usually part of a multiyear program. The next time you look out at your lake or pond, remembering its former attributes and beauty, consider investigating how mechanical lake weed removal services can be applied to help restore balance to your aquatic ecosystem.

 

Stocking up: 500,000 fish released into South Florida waterways for sport, sustainability

Stocking up: 500,000 fish released into South Florida waterways for sport, sustainability

  • Posted: May 09, 2022
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The saying goes that there’s always a bigger fish. In this case, there’s always a bigger number of fish in Broward County this time of the year. article on Sun Sentinel.

Allstate Resource Management, a family business headquartered in Davie, sponsors a major event every year in which it stocks over 500,000 native fish in HOA lakes and partner communities in South Florida. The event took place in early April, marking its 22nd year.
The fish-stocking event is meant to increase populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and mosquitofish. Allstate manages the waterways that benefit from their efforts. According to their estimates, hundreds of thousands of nonnative fish die in South Florida ponds, lakes and waterways every year as a result of winter weather and other natural causes.
Allstate’s Executive Director Andy Fuhrman said that the company’s main focus is taking care of water quality in lakes in South Florida. He said that most of them are manmade stormwater retention ponds. “We try to make sure that the water quality is as healthy as possible,” he said. “We want to make sure that there’s no invasive vegetation, algae or excessive growth.”

 

Fish stocking in South Florida – find services on our website avail to property managers, boards and property owners throughout Florida.

Allstate Resource Management can handle all of your fish stocking needs in South Florida, whether it is triploid grass carp for assistance in weed control or largemouth bass for the avid angler. A balanced, healthy fish population can help to absorb nutrients in the water, control undesirable weeds, insects and other aquatic pests. They also provide a recreational asset for enjoyment. Call us today to find out more about our fish stocking services in South Florida.

We can design a lake or pond fish stocking program that is customized to meet your needs and budget which will include recommended fish species, quantity, government requirements and costs. For information on fish stocking, call us now

 

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS

One of the most challenging aspects of lake maintenance is communicating the management program to the clients. A homeowner that sees a lake from a purely aesthetic point of view has a vastly different understanding than an applicator that is actively managing it.

We have the ability to help you educate your homeowners about their lakes and what we do. When you have questions about how your lake is being cared for, our experienced applicators are available to provide you with the answers you need. Feel free to print any of our “Understanding Your Lake” articles in this resource section.

If you would like us to supply articles for your HOA newsletters regarding waterway issues, please give us a call. We are also available for consultation presentations to HOA’s. We are a DBPR approved provider of CEU credits for CAM s and are available to supply your property management company with accredited courses.

Trending: Natural Lake MGMT Solutions

Trending: Natural Lake MGMT Solutions

Trending: Natural Lake MGMT Solutions

Enhance the health of your freshwater waterbodies with natural solutions like nutrient remediation, aeration, and more…

Maintaining a healthy lake or pond can be accomplished with natural, holistic management strategies. These tools can help improve water quality and enhance the aesthetics of your aquatic resource. Discover the benefits of natural management solutions…
ALGAE BLOOMS: DID YOU KNOW? by Allstate Resource Management

ALGAE BLOOMS: DID YOU KNOW? by Allstate Resource Management

  • Posted: Apr 29, 2022
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ALGAE BLOOMS: DID YOU KNOW?

by Allstate Resource Management

The climate in Florida is wonderful in many ways, but the year round warm weather and heat in the summer can increase algae blooms.
1. Lawn fertilizers are a big contributor to algae blooms. Leave at least a 10 foot buffer when dispensing fertilizer near a waterway. Fertilizer in the street will wash into the storm drains and all storm drains lead to the waterways.
2. Never blow or dispose of trash and lawn clippings into streets, storm drains, or waterways. They are loaded with nutrients and as they decay, they feed the algae blooms. All storm drains lead to the waterways.
3. Algae blooms may affect oxygen levels and block light which will harm the aquatic environment.
Allstate Resource Management has 25 + years helping South Florida homeowners associations with waterway management.
Contact us today at 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagment.com
for a FREE, no-obligation consultation
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How To Prepare Your Trees For Hurricane Season by Arborology Inc

How To Prepare Your Trees For Hurricane Season by Arborology Inc

  • Posted: Apr 28, 2022
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Hurricanes can cause massive damage to trees and landscape. Trees often end up hitting homes, power lines and other important property. If you live in Florida or any other location that is prone to Hurricanes you need to take steps to prepare your trees.

The most important step is even before you have planted the first tree. You should select the right tree for the right location. You should always select trees that are wind tolerant and have good branch structure. Trees with good branch structure will have less overextended limbs, included bark and tree defects. Some trees handle decay from pruning better than others making species an important factor in the right tree. If your trees don’t have all the desired characteristics don’t worry you can still have the tree pruned by a Certified Arborist to remove or reduce the defects in the tree. So many people overreact and remove their trees out of fear of the unknown. This isn’t always necessary and is a waste of money.

You should always have a Certified Arborist inspect your trees on an annual basis. A Certified Arborist will be able to identify tree defects and make recommendations on corrective actions. Be sure the Certified Arborist you are working with has the TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) credential. Ask your Certified Arborist to provide you proof of his qualifications so you are sure your getting sound advice. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion before you commit to having work done. We recommend you first work with a consulting Certified Arborist that doesn’t perform tree service work so they have no financial interest in the recommendations made to you.

So now were ready to prune. I know you have tons of questions and I’m here to help you answer them.

Should you thin your trees so the wind can flow through them? No this can lead to overextended limbs which can fail during wind events.

Should you top your trees? Absolutely not, this is one of the biggest mistakes tree owners make. Topping trees will lead to weak attachment points, heavier upper canopy growth and reduced tree vigor.

Should you have the dead, broken, cracked or overextended limbs pruned or removed? Yes you should. Overextended limbs are long and have most of the weight at the end. Cracked or broken limbs have a high likelihood of failing during wind events, Dead limbs can break off and impact important property.

Should I prune my palms so they will survive the hurricane apocalypse? No palms are adapt to wind storms and have zero benefits from hurricane pruning. You will want to have them inspected by a Certified Arborist so any defects can be pointed out to you.

What can you do to help your trees survive a windstorm event? Plant the correct tree for the location, Have a Certified Arborist inspect them annually, prune only when you have a valid reason to prune them, provide fertilization when necessary and most of all don’t fall victim to fear or bad information.

If you are in need of a Certified Arborist to inspect your trees or help you determine what the best course of action is for your trees please contact our Certified Arborist at http://www.arborologyinc.com. We will be glad to meet you and empower you on managing your trees.


Ronnie Simpson
Board Certified Master Arborist
Arboriology Inc
http://www.arborologyinc.com

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Control Nutrient Levels and Improve Lake & Pond Health with All-Natural Alum

Control Nutrient Levels and Improve Lake & Pond Health with All-Natural Alum

  • Posted: Apr 28, 2022
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Control Nutrient Levels and Improve Lake & Pond Health with All-Natural Alum

When lakes and ponds exhibit problems like algae, aquatic weeds, bad odors, cloudiness, or muck development, it can prevent us from benefiting from the connection with nature that our waterbodies provide. Aquatic experts use a variety of techniques to diagnose the underlying issue. One of the most important tools is water quality testing. By analyzing water samples in a professional laboratory, scientists can identify the chemical imbalances that are preventing you from enjoying your waterbody to the fullest. Once data is collected, experts will implement tailored management solutions to restore the balance and beauty of the ecosystem. One natural and highly effective solution is Alum.

Utilizing Alum to Restore Water Quality

Alum has been a long-standing tool in our toolbox of lake and pond management solutions—and is a particular favorite of professionals who strive to use only sustainable maintenance practices. Alum (also known as Aluminum Sulfate) is used in a wide array of industries and applications such as drinking water management and wastewater treatments. In the lake and pond management industry, Alum is used to reset the chemical balance of aquatic environments to improve water quality. When water quality is enhanced, it creates an environment that is less hospitable to algae, nuisance weeds, and toxic cyanobacteria.

 

Conduct water quality test - alum barge nutrient remediation Stay Ahead of Water Quality Issues with Annual ManagementPerform Water Quality Tests

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to lake and pond management. This means that Alum may not be the right solution for each and every waterbody. Water quality tests help us understand the problems occurring under the surface and make this decision. Most often, Alum is deployed when water quality tests reveal unusually high levels of nutrients like Phosphorus, which is typically the root cause of undesirable organic growth.

 

alum application

How Alum Reduces Nutrients in the Water

Alum is applied to lakes and ponds as a white, powdery substance. As the Alum mixes into the water column, it binds with free-reactive nutrients, creating a cloudy trail behind the boat or a specially-designed application barge. After a short period of time, the particles sink to the bottom where they will remain inactive. Alum is considered very safe when applied by a professional and provides fast-acting results that can last for years. Almost immediately after an application is complete, the water column will become more clear. Over the course of days and weeks, the water quality improves.

Prevent Phosphorus Loading with Proactive Solutions

Once the waterbody is restored to more balanced conditions, it’s important to prevent future nutrient loading by addressing the external sources of Phosphorus. Trash, pet waste, fertilizers, motor oil, sewage, and yard waste are often to blame. They can flow into lakes and ponds during rainstorms. Rainfall and weather events can also damage the shoreline, causing nutrient-rich soil and plant matter to crumble into the water. Stakeholders can slow this problem by establishing a robust vegetative buffer around the shoreline. Professionals recommend using native plants that grow approximately 18 inches high and develop complex root systems to naturally hold soil in place. If shorelines have sustained significant damage over the years, it may be necessary to completely rebuild them using bioengineered mesh technology that can be seeded with the grass and buffer plants following installation.

Alternative Nutrient Remediation Solutions

Alum is not the only natural substance that removes nutrients in the water column. Solutions like Phoslock and EuroSORB work similarly to target Phosphorus.

Phoslock is a lanthanum-modified clay that binds with excess phosphorus, chemically changing its composition so that they can no longer support weeds and algae. EutroSORB, on the other hand, is a filtration technology that captures nutrients in the water column. It is particularly effective in waterbodies with significant movement and mixing, such as stormwater ponds, streams, and canals. Once the filter is fully saturated with phosphorus, it is pulled from the water for disposal. In some cases, experts may also choose to use an aqueous form of EutroSORB that can be poured or sprayed on the surface, or applied via subsurface injection.

alum chronic nutrient loading nutrient remediation drone shot 2Determining The Best Solution for Your Lake or Pond

Your lake and pond management professional may consider a number of factors when choosing which of these three nutrient remediation products to implement. These may include your waterbody’s size, location, use, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, muck level, and degree of water movement.

The well-being of our aquatic environments reflects our own. Science shows that humans are happier, healthier, and more relaxed when spending time around beautiful water. Nutrients are the building blocks that help create these amazing ecosystems that delight us, but it’s necessary to maintain them at balanced levels as nature intended. Alum is one of many eco-friendly tools employed through an annual maintenance program. Like most solutions, it is most effective when used proactively. Click to learn more about the benefits of Alum and the important role it plays in a year-round management plan.

Discover the Power of Nutrient Remediation

 

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