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Is Pond and Lake Algae Bloom Dangerous? by SOLitude Lake Management.

Is Pond and Lake Algae Bloom Dangerous? by SOLitude Lake Management.

Warm weather often comes with an increase in algal blooms in our waterways. Algae is a nuisance – it can grow in slimy, smelly mats, create eyesores, and entangle swimmers and fishing hooks.

Rather than creating places to connect with neighbors, watch beautiful sunsets, and host fun activities, waterbodies containing nuisance algae growth can lead to nasty comments and complaints. But in worst-case scenarios, it may pose a danger to the community. 

Although most algae aren’t dangerous to our health, we must be mindful and diligent about limiting our exposure to certain types of algal blooms. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), also known as blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, are a very serious issue impacting the safety of our waterways. Exposure to HABs can be life-threatening for people, pets, and wildlife due to toxins they are capable of releasing.

However, the toxicity of an algal bloom cannot be confirmed with a visual inspection. Suspected HABs must be sampled and tested at a lab to confirm the species of algae present. Once the species is confirmed, a management plan can be implemented.

What does harmful algae look like?

Harmful algal blooms can look like blue or green paint spilled into the water. It may also appear as thick, puffy blue or green foam on the surface of the water, or as swirling colors beneath the surface of the water. HABs can also have distinct smells that have been described as grassy, fishy, or septic.

What should I do if I suspect the presence of harmful algae?

Here are four things to do – or not do! – if you see anything that looks like an HAB in your waterbody:

  1. Call a professional immediately: It is impossible to tell from a visual inspection whether an algal bloom is toxic. It must be appropriately sampled and tested.
  2. Avoid it: Do not swim or wade through blue-green algal scums. Do not boat, water ski, jet ski, or fish where algal scum is present. And certainly, don’t source drinking water where algal blooms are present!
  3. Keep pets out: Do not let your pets swim in or drink from the water. Toxic algae blooms can be fatal to dogs and other animals. Even short exposures to some HABs can be fatal.
  4. Take extra precautions: If you or your family members, including pets, have been in water with any algae present, always shower off with soap and clean water after swimming.

Keep Your Water Safe and Clean with Annual Management

Keeping your community safe and happy is an utmost priority – because safe, happy residents are more engaged with each other, pleased with community leadership, and proud of where they live. An annual management program is one of the best ways to maintain the safety and aesthetics of your waterbodies. When monitored and managed on a consistent basis, it’s possible to identify and get ahead of HABs or other water quality problems before community members are affected.

Crown&Geyser_1HP_Bonita Springs, FL_GregO'Connor solitude lake managaement fountains and aeration systems vendor partners aquamaster

Annual Management Programs Tailored to You

Annual management programs are tailored to your specific needs, and may integrate an array of professional tools and strategies, including water quality testingfountains and aerationnutrient remediationbiological bacteria applicationsshoreline management and restorationbathymetric mapping, and mechanical solutions like mechanical hydro-raking or dredging. Contact your lake management professional to begin designing your custom annual management program.

Manage Algae & Pond Weeds with SOLitude

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What Is Dissolved Oxygen and Why Is it Important for My Waterbody? by SOLitude

What Is Dissolved Oxygen and Why Is it Important for My Waterbody? by SOLitude

What Is Dissolved Oxygen and Why Is it Important for My Waterbody?

Dissolved oxygen (DO) refers to the concentration of oxygen in water. DO is vital for healthy lakes and ponds and key to the survival of fish, other aquatic life, and beneficial bacteria. DO also helps prevent muck build-up by supporting the decomposition of organic materials like dead plants and animal waste.

Waterbodies with insufficient DO are more likely to experience water quality and nutrient imbalances that may lead to:

  • Nuisance weeds
  • Algae
  • Toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
  • Fish kills
  • Foul odors
  • Bottom sludge
  • Loss of depth and flooding

Fortunately, many solutions are available to correct DO deficiencies, promote healthy water quality, and help prevent future issues.

 

Kasco-VFX-8400 - - fountains and aeration services at solitude lake management - vendor partners

Floating Pond Fountains

Fountains and surface aerators are some of the most recognizable tools designed to help oxygenate and circulate water. Both types of units improve water quality by creating surface movement and are most effective in waterbodies between 4-8 feet deep.

Fountains use specialized pumps to spray water into the air in decorative patterns. As it falls, it creates turbulence that facilitates the transfer of oxygen into the water column. However, the water quality benefits of fountains are often secondary to the aesthetic benefits.

Kasco Surface Aerator

Pond Surface Aerators

Surface aerators are low-profile units with strong propellers that create a boil-like flow. Though they’re less eye-catching than fountains, these systems can infuse up to 72 pounds of oxygen into the water in 24 hours, making them an excellent choice if water quality improvement is the priority.

Pond Submersed Aerator

For waterbodies greater than 6-8 feet deep, experts may recommend a submersed aerator, which uses an on-shore compressor to pump air through tubing to the bottom of a lake or pond where it is released through diffusers. The fine bubbles that are produced help oxygenate and circulate the water column as they rise. Submersed aerators can be placed directly under or near a fountain or surface aerator for maximum benefits.

Oxygenation Technologies

In addition to fountains and pond aerators, which have been used in the lake management industry for decades, there are also several new premium solutions for improving oxygen levels in waterbodies. Nanobubbles, side stream saturation, and other modern technologies help provide a more direct means of elevating DO.

Nanobubbles are microscopic bubbles that are continuously injected into the water with a compact, on-shore unit. They are negatively charged, allowing them to oxidize and degrade positively charged algal cells, toxins, and excess nutrients when they come in contact. Because they also lack natural buoyancy, they can remain in the water for months.

Side stream saturation offers comparable benefits to traditional aeration without producing bubbles. By injecting oxygen at low pressure through suction and discharge lines into specific water depths, this method achieves five to ten times the oxygenation efficiency. The oxygen-rich water is then infused into bottom sediments, where it remains for extended periods.

 

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Happy Holidays & A Joyful New Year from the SOLitude Family

Happy Holidays & A Joyful New Year from the SOLitude Family

  • Posted: Dec 20, 2024
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Happy Holidays & A Joyful New Year

As 2021 wraps up, we want to thank you for joining us in our mission to protect freshwater resources.

We know this past year was difficult for many, but we hope you were able to create memorable experiences on and around your waterbody despite the challenges we all faced. We believe that a balanced waterbody, whether it’s utilized for recreation, stormwater collection, or aesthetics, can make those around it happier and healthier.

 

As we look forward into 2025 and beyond, we are more passionate than ever to maintain our precious aquatic resources and promote meaningful experiences for our loyal clients.

During this time, contact us here or leave a message at 888-480-LAKE (5253).

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A guide to holiday decorating that will keep you off your HOA’s naughty list

A guide to holiday decorating that will keep you off your HOA’s naughty list

  • Posted: Dec 17, 2024
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A guide to holiday decorating that will keep you off your HOA’s naughty list

Check your association’s bylaws before making your home festive

The holidays are here, and many of the 74.1 million Americans who reside in community association neighborhoods are preparing to decorate their homes. These homeowners should be aware that many community associations have bylaws that regulate lights, trim and decorative displays. The most common association rules that regulate holiday decorations address:

  • Time. Many homeowners associations (HOAs) regulate the hours that lights may be illuminated and dates on which decorations can be displayed before and after a holiday.
  • Location. Most community association rules limit placement. In neighborhoods of single-family houses, decorations are generally permitted on the exterior of the home and must be kept within the boundaries of the yard. Owners should ensure decorations do not blow into a neighbor’s yard. In attached condominiums, many associations limit or preclude holiday decorations in common areas such as hallways and doors. Most condominium bylaws contain a restriction that prohibits an owner from making a modification to the exterior of a unit without permission from the association.
  • Nuisance. Bylaws typically preclude homeowners from creating a “nuisance.” While this definition is somewhat subjective, it could include holiday lights that are too bright or Christmas music that is played loudly throughout the night. In most cases, common sense dictates what may be disruptive to neighbors.
  • Safety. Most bylaws or rules aim to prevent dangerous or hazardous activities. If your holiday display creates a fire hazard or attracts numerous visitors who park in the street and block access for emergency vehicles, you may run into issues with your association or the local municipality.

HOA rules are intended to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community; complying with the restrictions is mandatory. Homeowners who fail to do so may initially receive a warning from the association, but continued noncompliance could result in fines or a court injunction to have the decorations removed.

Homeowners who have an issue with the holiday-decorations rules should request a meeting with the board to ask if they can be revised. Board members should be receptive to reasonable input from owners and craft rules accordingly; most owners don’t want an Ebenezer Scrooge on the board.

Fair Housing Act implications may make some holiday rules unenforceable. Religious discrimination is illegal under the act. An HOA is not allowed to show preference to one religion over another. When drafting rules, associations should be careful to avoid using terms that refer to specific holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Rather, the rules should apply to all “holiday decorations” or reference “holiday trees” to ensure the religious beliefs of certain owners are not given preferential treatment.

Before decorating your home, review the community association rules to determine what restrictions, if any, exist that would regulate holiday displays. It’s a good idea to contact the community manager or the board of directors for guidance. While the holidays are a time to celebrate, owners who fail to review their association’s rules may end up with coal in their stockings. by By Kevin M. Hirzel

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Get the Best Subsea Solution Services in the Region with the Highest Levels of Customer Satisfaction

Get the Best Subsea Solution Services in the Region with the Highest Levels of Customer Satisfaction

  • Posted: Oct 20, 2024
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International Subsea Services has provided qualified and experienced to its clients. International Subsea Services maintains a detailed and extensive network database of industry professionals to provide support where needed. International Subsea Services is an approved installation contractor for Dredge Sox Erosion Solutions and Marine Construction Specialist providing Minor upgrades to a full design build, International Subsea services is the turnkey solution for all of your waterfront projects along the Gulf Coast and Caribbean Basin.

 

We are an Independent Contractors of Lake, Pond, and Wetland Installation & Maintenance

The installation and maintenance of lakes, ponds, and wetlands while taking care of cleanliness in your environment are very important these days. The restoration of living shorelines is a creative and productive technique to save water areas from erosion. Erosion is a natural process in which forces of nature such as water or wind crumble and transfer earthen materials to several other areas. The restoration technique actually includes the installation of wetlands plants, grasses, a thick sheet of algae, shrubs, and trees at areas of marine boundaries. This technique involves experts and the careful placement of bio-engineering materials to protect nearby areas of vegetables and soil.

Get the Best Subsea Solution Services in the Region with the Highest Levels of Customer Satisfaction

  • Affordable shorelines and hillside restoration with high-quality materials.
  • Stabilization and installation of water banks.
  • We use good quality products and materials to prevent bank erosion.
  • Perfect maintenance of hand dredging and cleaning of ponds and lakes with our latest equipment.
  • We monitor inspection services for mitigation related to every project.
  • Our leadership and disciplined team give proper management of projects easy and careful management.
  • We also do onsite demolition for pools and homes and remove all the useless items from the place.
  • Land clearing services are also provided for preparing land for the next innovative project.
  • For cutting, grinding, and clearing commercial and residential areas, our subsea solution services company uses forestry mulching machines.
  • Hotshot hauling service for urgent and important shipments of products is also provided by our company.

 

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

Request a free estimate today to see what International Subsea can do for you!

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Did you know that CCTV trucks are vital tools for inspecting the condition of underground pipes?

Did you know that CCTV trucks are vital tools for inspecting the condition of underground pipes?

  • Posted: Oct 20, 2024
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Did you know that CCTV trucks are vital tools for inspecting the condition of underground pipes?
Equipped with high-resolution cameras mounted on crawlers, these trucks can navigate through pipelines, capturing video footage of the interior. This allows inspectors to identify problems like cracks, blockages, corrosion, or misalignment, all without having to dig up the pipes.
This non-destructive method of pipe verification is crucial for preventative maintenance, ensuring the quality of pipelines and helping to diagnose issues before they cause serious problems.
It also helps with making sure the pipes are clear so they dont block up or prevent drainage of your properties parking lots and Loading Docks.  Setting up a plan for cleaning and Maintenance is important, especially with the Florida Storms. 
Call us at (954) 210-4100
📧Email us at Service@getgreenteam.com
For other inquiries email us:
Projects@getgreenteam.com
Backflow@getgreenteam.com
Vacservice@getgreenteam.com

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Top Erosion Control Solutions for Lakes & Ponds by SOLitude Lake Management

Top Erosion Control Solutions for Lakes & Ponds by SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Jul 07, 2024
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Top Erosion Control Solutions for Lakes & Ponds

by SOLitude Lake Management

Last week, our industry experts convened to talk about common pain points stakeholders experience around their lake and pond shorelines. During our first webinar viewers learned about top solutions for chronic erosion and effective preventative maintenance tools that can be customized for every property.

Viewers also got answers to dozens of questions during a dedicated Q&A following the presentation. These recorded videos will be available to you at all times so you can refresh your memory or catch up on the latest information. We are thankful for our loyal clients and followers and are honored to help you empower yourself with the knowledge needed to prioritize your waterbody!  Direct link to the webinar page

 

 

 

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Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?  by Commercial Fitness Products

Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?  by Commercial Fitness Products

  • Posted: May 15, 2024
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Ready to Elevate Your Fitness Game?

by  Commercial Fitness Products

Looking to revamp your gym or fitness center? Look no further! We’re your go-to supplier for top-notch commercial fitness equipment in Florida and the Caribbean!
From treadmills to weight benches, we’ve got everything you need to create a world-class fitness space that’ll keep your clients motivated and coming back for more.
Why choose us?
✅ Premium Quality Equipment
✅ Wide Range of Products
✅ Expert Guidance & Support
✅ Competitive Prices
Use the above link to find us on the sfpma directory for condo and HOA’s in Florida.

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4 “Tricks” to a Healthier Lake! Regularly test the water quality! by Allstate Resource Management

4 “Tricks” to a Healthier Lake! Regularly test the water quality! by Allstate Resource Management

  • Posted: Dec 08, 2023
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The first step in keeping your lake healthy is regularly testing the water quality. Ensure that your lake management company is testing the water before treatments.

Use algae control.
Algae is a common problem in Florida lakes, but there are methods you can use to control it. Partnering with a professional lake company is key! A lake maintenance company can put together a comprehensive plan designed specifically for your lake.
Use aeration to promote healthy oxygen levels.
Aeration is essential for maintaining healthy oxygen levels in your lake. Use a lake aerator to keep the water moving and to promote healthy oxygen levels.
Control invasive plant species.
Invasive plant species, such as cattails or water hyacinths, can quickly take over your lake and create an unhealthy environment for aquatic life. Let our lake specialists work with your HOA to help control and eradicate invasive plants.
Contact us today: info@allstatemanagement.com or 954-382-9766
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7 Pond Maintenance Tips from SOLitude to Complete This Fall

7 Pond Maintenance Tips from SOLitude to Complete This Fall

  • Posted: Oct 03, 2023
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7 Ways to Prepare Your Waterbody for Success This Autumn

Following the hot, humid weather that accompanies summer, the fall season brings a sigh of relief with less intense sunshine and cooler temperatures. Just as the trees reflect the changing of the seasons, your water resources can also experience change. Fall is a perfect window to complete lasting maintenance. It’s important to stay on top of lake and pond management to facilitate fall recreational activities and to ensure you can enjoy it to its full potential come spring.

1. Rehabilitate eroded shorelines:

As algae and vegetation growth subside, there are many opportunities to tackle management projects that could not be accommodated during the summer. Erosion around shorelines often becomes more visible and this short window before winter is perfect to introduce a bioengineered shoreline using SOX Solutions. Depending on the size of the affected area, SOX can be installed within a few days or weeks to anchor sediment in place. It can then be planted with grass or sod to restore aesthetic beauty to the landscape around your waterbody. The knitted mesh system’s strength and integrity ensure the transformation is safe and long-lasting.

1. Rehabilitate Eroded Shorelines (before) - resized1. Rehabilitate Eroded Shorelines (after) - resized
2. Manage nuisance and beneficial plants

2. Manage nuisance and beneficial shoreline plants:

In addition to addressing dangerous erosion issues, the shoreline should be examined for woody vegetation and invasive plants like Phragmites australis, both of which should be physically removed to prevent further destabilization and potential damage to stormwater equipment. Native buffer species should be trimmed and the clippings should be removed from the site. Likewise, falling leaves, grass clippings, and other fall materials should be cleared to ensure they do not enter the water, decay, and create harmful water quality imbalances that could encourage algae growth come spring. Plant matter is also known to clog stormwater equipment and floating fountains.

3. Restore valuable depth

3. Restore valuable depth and volume:

If erosion and plant decay have accumulated over many years due to lack of proactive management, it may be time to restore depth in affected areas with hydro-raking. A hydro-rake is a floating barge with a mounted backhoe that can gather up to 500 pounds of muck in each scoop and deposit it on the land for disposal. Because a hydro-rake works from the water, it does not impact delicate shorelines. Fall is a perfect time for hydro-raking projects so the accumulation of leaves, branches, and decomposing plant matter can be removed before they negatively impact water quality conditions later in the year.

4. Execute your aeration plan

4. Execute your aeration plan:

That brings us to aeration. If your lake or pond has a fountain, now is the perfect time to schedule an ‘oil and seals’ service, which should be performed every three years. For those who live in colder climates, you may desire removal and winter storage for your fountain. If so, this should be completed by early December. In slightly warmer climates, fountains and submersed aeration systems can be left in the water to reduce ice formation and prevent stratification (the distinct layering of water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels), which can cause fish kills. And new solutions like Oxygen Saturation Technology can also prevent fish kills by introducing necessary oxygen to anoxic layers of the water without causing thermal stratification.

5. Collect data & identify...

5. Collect Data & Identify physical changes in your waterbody:

Proactive management is crucial to preserve the long-term health and beauty of your water resources. However, no two waterbodies are exactly the same and benefit most from a customized plan. Data is an important tool to help learn what your lake or pond needs to thrive. Just as water quality testing provides insight into the chemical components of the water, it is also beneficial to examine the physical components of the water resource.

Bathymetric mapping is the go-to tool to “see” below the surface and uncover the unique depths, contours and structural components at the bottom. When completed every 3-5 years, bathymetric studies can be compared to track physical changes over time. Other types of mapping can reveal total surface area and sediment accumulation, making it easier to create a timeline and budget for future dredging needs.

Mapping can take place any time of year, but it is often prioritized during the fall when the valuable data is used to facilitate planning or permitting needs and inform budget projections.

6. Stock winter sport fish

6. Stock winter sport fish:

While most sport fishing tends to subside as temperatures decline, angling activities do not have to end. Autumn provides the perfect backdrop to stock rainbow trout, which thrive all fall and winter. To do this successfully, it’s important to ensure water temperatures have consistently reached below 70 degrees. Once introduced to your waterbody, trout will thrive over the next few months until temperatures rise back up in the spring.

Stocking a lake in the fall is one of the easiest things owners can do to create some fish diversity and to add excitement to their fishing experience. Trout are especially fun to fish and can transform a community pond from just an aesthetic feature to an exciting meeting place for adults and children alike.

rebalance water quality - nutrient remediation and liming

7. Rebalance water quality:

In addition to trout stocking, waterbodies prized for their year-long fishing experiences can benefit from pond liming. In acidic ponds, liming is an important method for correcting the associated water quality issues and improving fish productivity. Fall and winter are the recommended timeframes to complete these applications as they can’t always be prioritized during the growing season. The process is delicate, so it’s important to consult with a freshwater management professional to implement a water quality assessment and determine if liming is right for your waterbody.

water testing - lake assessment - surveying - mapping - solitude team - colleague - leadership - community

Takeaways:

Though year-round annual management is an important part of pond ownership, fall is a great time to implement a variety of techniques and strategies that aren’t always feasible during the warmer months. It’s also a time to consider your goals for the following year and begin the planning required to achieve them. Your professional lake manager can help you throughout the process and ensure you are on the right track to maximize your budget and the enjoyment of your waterbody for years to come.

 

Find out more about SOLitude Lake Management. Members of SFPMA helping clients with their water bodies all over Florida and in Many other States. 

 

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