Why Does My Pond Stink? Common Causes of Smelly Ponds & How to Fix Them

Your pond or lake may look beautiful, but if it smells bad, its appeal will greatly decrease. In addition to decreasing the value of your pond, a smell in your pond can signify another issue and can even harm wildlife living in your body of water. Here are common causes of a smelly pond or lake and ways to make your pond less stinky.

Excess Algae Growth

An abundance of algae in your lake or pond can also contribute to bad smells. When these or other plants in your pond die and decompose, they reduce the oxygen supply that helps break down organic waste. A reduction of oxygen often results in odors. If you keep fish in your pond, they can also be at risk if algae growth reaches unhealthy levels.

Does your pond or lake look like this? Call us now!

Water Stagnation

Lack of movement in a body of water is one of the reasons why it might smell. When water isn’t moving, algae and bacteria can easily grow. The bacteria begin to break down waste and develop carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, causing the water to stink. If you start to smell a stench similar to rotten eggs, this may be the cause. This issue most commonly occurs in the spring when the weather starts to get warm. AEC offers several different types of aerators that can improve the smell of your pond or lake.

Sludge

Pond scum, or sludge, on the bottom of your pond or lake can also cause unpleasant odors. Organic matter including nutrient runoff and leaves that fall in autumn can sink to the bottom of your body of water, causing a buildup. A small amount of organic matter can be healthy for your pond, but when it gets to excessive levels it causes a stinky lake or pond. If you are concerned about the volume of sludge in your water body, a yearly maintenance plan is recommended to prevent any issues – and stenches – from occurring.

How to Stop Your Pond from Stinking

In reality, there aren’t any quick fixes to stop a smelly pond. Rather, it’s a process with several steps that will eventually get your pond or lake to a healthy level. This process should only be done by professionals, in order to prevent any more problems from occurring.

Aeration

A good method to start with in order to fix your smelly pond is to get an aeration system that increases the oxygen levels of the water. There are several types of systems that will work for this purpose:

• Diffused Aeration Systems: these are the most cost-effective ways to remove stratification and increase oxygen levels of your body of water due to their high oxygen transfer rates, compared to fountains or pumps.
• Industrial Aerators: these systems can be either above or below the surface, and their purpose is to aerate and move water, resulting in more oxygen and less stratification. 
• Fountains: for a more aesthetically pleasing look, a fountain can add beauty and healthy aeration to your body of water. Available in many different patterns, they improve various water quality issues, including low oxygen levels.

Ask an expert at Aquatic Environmental Consultants which system is right for your pond or lake!

Remove Causes of Organic Waste

Removing organic matter that depletes oxygen levels in the first place can also greatly improve the health of your pond or lake and prevent it from stinking! Here are a few organic matter culprits that make ponds smell bad and how to stop them:

Excess Nutrients: having too many nutrients or runoff in your body of water is a huge contributor to smelly lakes and ponds. It’s best to put measures in place to prevent runoff of nutrients from going directly into your pond. If you’re not sure how to do this, we can help!

Algae: excessive algae can be a huge contributor to stinky ponds. If your body of water is prone to algae growth, get help from an AEC expert who can remove your algae and keep your pond healthy for good.

Regular Maintenance

Another great way to prevent your body of water from stinking is to perform routine maintenance to keep your lake or pond healthy. By investing in a lake or pond maintenance plan, you can ensure that your body of water is healthy and beautiful year-round and for years to come. Learn more about AEC’s lake and pond maintenance programs and what they include.

Contact AEC Today for a Healthier Pond

If you’re experiencing a stinky lake or pond or other issues such as excess algae, murky water, nutrient imbalance, or anything else, call the experts at Aquatic Environment Consultants today. We specialize in making your body of water the healthiest and prettiest it can be so that you or your customers can enjoy your pond – rather than complaining about its stench. Contact us by filling out a form today to learn what we can do for you!