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If algae and weeds are infesting your water, it could be due to high nutrient levels. You deserve an aquatic paradise, not an eyesore.
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Protect your lake by properly planning and budgeting for shoreline restoration and management. There are solutions for every budget, from cost-effective vegetative shoreline buffers to innovative erosion repair systems.
Lakes and ponds are essential for stormwater collection, recreation, beauty, and wildlife refuge. But their benefits have an expiration date. Eventually, due to erosion and other aspects of the natural aging process, your lake can become an eyesore and a liability. Lake shoreline restoration projects are inevitable – and sometimes costly – so it’s imperative to get ahead of expenses by calculating an accurate timeline and budget.
We know you cherish your water resources; after all, they can be assets that enhance the value and desirability of your property. We want to help you preserve them for as long as possible through proper planning and maintenance efforts. This starts with understanding the effects of erosion and budget considerations that impact important decisions.
Erosion is natural due to wind, rain, and wildlife activity, but can be accelerated through cultural impacts like recreation, landscaping, and construction. It can also look different from one waterbody to the next, from receding or unstable banks to sediment deposits along the shoreline. Ignoring these signs can result in damaged assets and possible liability risks.
No matter your budget, every property deserves access to shoreline erosion solutions. Even if the damage is minimal, such as one-inch dropoffs, it’s possible to get ahead of it through cost-effective means or larger investments.
An economical solution for shoreline protection is a vegetative buffer containing native plants with deep root systems. When established around the perimeter, beneficial buffers help hold soil in place and slow the flow of stormwater to prevent deterioration. Buffers are also cost-effective to maintain, requiring only routine trimming and monitoring for the growth of undesirable plants.
Our schedule is filling up fast for storm drain cleanings, the rain that occurred yesterday was a preview of what summer will look like for your HOA community. Do not hesitate to act, summer rain is coming!
Contact us to talk to a Stormwater Specialist today!
Contact us at 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagement.com
Tags: Lake Management Articles
Mosquitos or Midges BUGGING you?
Tags: Lake Management Articles
Managing nuisance algae and aquatic weeds in your lake can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how proactive management solutions can help improve lake health and create an ecosystem that is less likely to develop common water quality issues.
One of the biggest headaches lake and pond owners or managers face is nuisance growth of algae and aquatic weeds. Aquatic weeds and algae are an eyesore and a top complaint from stakeholders. People look forward to enjoying the water during the warmer months, but if nuisance growth is not prevented before spring, it may come to define your property all summer long. Poorly-maintained waterbodies can lead to disconnected communities, reduced property values, liability issues, and weak confidence in leadership.
Aquatic weeds and algae can be hard to eliminate as they are merely a symptom of more systemic water quality issues – in particular, a surplus of nutrients in the waterbody. Warm weather combined with excess nutrients can create imbalances that make lakes and ponds more susceptible to weeds and algae. These imbalances can be further exacerbated by depleted dissolved oxygen levels, poor circulation, and erosion.
A Reactive Strategy to Algae & Weed ControlNutrients commonly enter lakes and ponds through stormwater runoff that picks up pollutants, lawn clippings, animal waste, and eroded shoreline sediment. Nutrients are released as these materials break down. If these problems are allowed to continue for too long, property owners and managers will have to turn to more reactive solutions like mechanical harvesting or EPA-registered herbicides and algaecides to eliminate nuisance growth. Though they do not address the root cause, these are often the quickest and most cost-effective strategies to quickly remove nuisance growth, and introduce an annual management program from a “clean slate.”
A Proactive Approach to Algae & Weed ControlProactive management begins with in-depth water quality testing to identify water quality imbalances before they manifest. After establishing a baseline, professionals continue monitoring to spot changes and take action early on. Dissolved oxygen is essential to a healthy waterbody, so fountains and aerators are often the next step. Fountains circulate and oxygenate lakes and ponds from the surface, while submersed aerators pump oxygen-rich bubbles from the bottom. In tandem, they work to restore balance to the water column.
This is where shoreline management comes in. Native plants introduced around the water’s perimeter can help slow runoff and filter out pollutants. They also help contain soil along the bank to prevent erosion. If a shoreline is too impaired, bioengineering materials and techniques can be used to rebuild it for years of erosion protection.
“One of our lakes has been experiencing regular algae blooms and SOLitude’s biologist performed a comprehensive lake and water analysis to determine the cause of the problem. Recommendations were presented and the problem was resolved!”
Peter D., Community Manager
Tags: Lake Management Articles, Members Articles
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Allstate Resource Management sponsored:10th Annual Make-A-Wish Polen Capital Golf Tournament at The Boca RatonThis past weekend, Allstate Resource Management sponsored the 10th Annual Make-A-Wish Polen Capital Golf Tournament at The Boca Raton! The event raised over $570,000! Our Vice-President/Golf Enthusiast, Andy Fuhrman, enjoyed the day on the green and was joined by Norman Wedderburn, the President/CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Thanks to Allstate Resource Management and other amazing sponsors, the Make-A-Wish Polen Capital Golf Tournament has granted more than 300 heartfelt wishes for the brave and deserving children battling critical illnesses in our local community. |
Tags: Lake Management Articles, SFPMA Members News
Water quality is the foundation of any healthy water resource. If you think about going to the doctor and getting blood drawn to identify a health issue, you could compare that with water quality testing. In lake and pond management, scientists evaluate these and many other water quality parameters to determine the root of water quality issues.
The first parameter typically measured in water quality tests is oxygen. Oxygen is one of the most important elements to humans. Just like humans and animals, waterbodies also utilize oxygen to survive. In lake and pond management, we use tools to test for dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the water. If dissolved oxygen levels are low, aquatic life becomes stressed. This usually occurs when excess organic materials, such as large algal blooms, are decomposed by microorganisms.
Like oxygen, ammonia can cause parallel issues in aquatic environments if levels are unbalanced. For example, high levels of ammonia can make fish become lethargic and even cause them to die off. Higher concentrations of ammonia are more likely when dissolved oxygen levels are very low or when the water is polluted. The introduction of floating fountains or submersed aeration systems can help maintain healthy levels of both oxygen and ammonia.
Another parameter measured is phosphorus, another essential element of all living things. However, when in excess, it can cause many systemic changes to the ecosystem such as increased production of algae and aquatic plants, as well as depletion of fish species. How can we stop this from happening and create a balanced ecosystem? Try reducing fertilizer use around your lake or pond and treat phosphorus-laden bottom sediments with nutrient remediation solutions like Alum, Phoslock, or biologicals.
Nitrogen is a similar parameter measured during water quality testing. Nitrogen provides food for plants, algae, fish, and smaller organisms in the water. Nitrogen can enter the water through fertilizer runoff, and when in excess, it can lead to the growth of nuisance aquatic plants and algae, creating an unbalanced ecosystem. To maintain healthy levels of nitrogen, reduce fertilizer runoff to water resources, and implement nutrient remediation solutions when needed. Excess nitrogen levels, along with other elements, can be reduced by repairing erosion damage and establishing a native vegetative buffer and littoral zone that helps filter excess nutrients before they enter the water column.
Another parameter commonly tested is alkalinity. The alkalinity of a waterbody is very important. Think of this in terms of human physiology. Your blood pH should always be balanced to allow enzymes to function effectively. In lakes and ponds, alkalinity is a measure of the waterbody’s ability to neutralize acids and bases, and thus, maintain a stable pH level. If the alkalinity is too low, this can lead to dangerous pH swings, which can become life-threatening to aquatic life. Professional liming is often recommended to increase alkalinity and prevent pH swings.
Knowing the levels of each water quality testing parameter is vital. Through recurring water quality testing and monitoring, aquatic resource experts can develop effective management plans that meet the needs of your waterbody. SOLitude is proud to offer a variety of water quality testing packages, tailored to fit the needs and budget of your waterbody. With insight from our biologists, you can stay ahead of water quality issues and maintain a healthy, beautiful waterbody year after year.
Tropical Depression Fred is expected to hit Florida this weekend. Learn what you can do to protect your lake & pond from damage.
Tropical Depression Fred has changed paths and is projected to hit Florida and reach its tropical storm status by Friday, August 13, 2021, as it moves over the warm water in the Gulf. With this path, the storm may also have an impact on Alabama and Georgia. Experts say Florida can expect substantial rains over the weekend.
The heavy rain and winds that will accompany this storm can have a significant impact on your property, including recreational lakes, stormwater ponds, and trophy fisheries. In addition to ensuring your family and home are safe and protected, there are steps you can take to make sure your waterbodies are prepared. Learn what you can do to protect your aquatic assets as Fred approaches Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.
If your property is affected by the storm, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local lake and pond management professional for support.
Hurricanes and strong storms don’t just affect your day-to-day lives; they can have a significant impact on your lake or pond as well. If you live in an area susceptible to tropical storms, you know the drill. You stock up on food and water, make sure any tree branches that may fall are trimmed, board up windows or put up hurricane shutters if necessary, and secure light yard decorations and furniture. While your home and fridge may be prepared for the storm, is your lake or pond? How about your floating fountain, aeration system, fish feeder, or other related items?
For stormwater ponds, inflow and outflow pipes should be inspected and any debris that has accumulated in and around the pipes should be cleared to allow proper water flow. This is a crucial step in ensuring you do not end up with a flooded yard or parking lot. Any objects near the water should be tied down or taken inside, as they can blow around and end up in the water causing a blockage in a pipe or making removal difficult.
If your lake or pond has a floating fountain, simply turn it off before heavy wind and rains start. All the electrical and mechanical components will weather the storm, but as water levels rise, anchors may move or anchor lines may break, and the float can move around. Storms can also wash debris into the water which can clog the impeller. If you notice a decrease in pattern size or hear a funny sound when you turn your fountain back on, leave it off until the necessary repairs can be performed.
If you utilize a fish feeder around your pond, the primary threat is flooding. When heavy rain is expected, make sure to empty the feeder and drag it to higher ground. While wind is less of a concern during typical storms, hurricane-force winds can topple a feeder. If you are able to, it is beneficial to move it to a safer structure to weather the storm.
The better you can prepare for the impending storm, the less likely you are to experience severe damage to your property. Once the storm has passed and conditions are deemed safe, it’s important to check your water resource and identify any areas of concern. Your lake management professional can assist with any storm-related issues that arise within your waterbody.
In the face of a hurricane, proactive efforts will help keep your mind on the things that matter most – the well-being of your family and loved ones. Stay safe!
Tags: Common Area Issues, Lake Management Articles, Management News, Member Services Articles
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