If your lake has become murky blue or green instead of clear and shimmery, like it used to be, you might have an algae problem. Algae is a growing concern plaguing many lake and pond owners — in fact, algae outbreaks increased by 18 percent between 2018 and 2019 alone. In this guide, we’ll discuss the causes of algae in ponds and lakes, as well as the hazards associated with algal blooms.
What Causes Algae in Lakes and Ponds?
Often turning bodies of water green, algae is a common concern throughout the Mid-Atlantic. At AEC Lakes, we offer long-term solutions to protect the health and beauty of your lake or pond.
What Is Algae, and Why Should You Care?
Algae growth is a naturally occurring part of most aquatic ecosystems. Understanding what makes algae grow is important because, in moderation, it plays a role in oxygen production and serves as a food source for aquatic life. However, it can grow out of control, forming unsightly mats, discolored water or harmful blooms.
Diverse Types of Algae in Lakes and Ponds
There is a wide range of algae that can be present in a pond or lake, from vital green species to harmful algal blooms that need careful attention and prevention. Staying informed about algae types is important for the effective management of the pond or lake and for safeguarding the health of people, animals and plants.
Planktonic Algae
Planktonic algae are microscopic, single-celled organisms. They drift freely throughout the water column and photosynthesize, forming the base of the aquatic food web. They are a common type of algae, but rapid proliferation contributes to turbidity and the potential for oxygen depletion during blooms.
AEC Lakes offers water quality testing services that include microscopic analysis for precise identification of planktonic algal species, informing you about the biological composition of water bodies. This service helps monitor algae growth and enable informed, proactive maintenance.
Filamentous and Mat-Forming Algae
Filamentous and mat-forming algae are another type of algae. They often form dense, interwoven strands that can cover large areas of the water surface or attach to submerged objects, such as rocks or plants. This algae type can become quite extensive and cover significant areas of a lake or pond.
AEC Lakes offers lake and pond consultations, providing expert insights into the causes and identification of filamentous algae, a key step in understanding the state of a specific aquatic ecosystem.
Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, are in reality prokaryotic organisms capable of photosynthesis. They can form visible blooms, especially in warm, nutrient-rich waters. Monitoring these organisms is essential because many species produce toxins that can be harmful to humans, pets and wildlife.
AEC Lakes offers lake monitoring programs to specifically track cyanobacterial populations and conditions. This program helps detect and control the algae population to prevent potential environmental health risks.
Algal Toxins and Their Effects
Algal toxins are chemical compounds produced by certain types of algae, particularly cyanobacteria. They can vary widely in chemical structure and cause several environmental effects such as wildlife mortality, affecting organisms at higher trophic levels even at low initial concentrations. When humans or animals ingest, inhale or come in direct contact with these toxins, they can cause moderate to severe health issues.
Common types of algal toxins and their health effects include:
- Hepatotoxins: These toxins target the liver. Examples include microcystins, cylindrospermopsin and nodularins.
- Neurotoxins: These toxins target the nervous system. Examples include anatoxins, saxitoxins, brevetoxins and domoic acid.
- Dermatoxins: These toxins target the skin. Examples include lyngbyatoxin-a and aplysiatoxins.
What Causes Algae Bloom in Lakes and Ponds?
Several factors contribute to excessive algae growth, including:
- Nutrient runoff: Fertilizers, lawn care products and agricultural runoff carry phosphorus and nitrogen into bodies of water, fueling algae blooms and leading to out-of-control growth.
- Stormwater pollution: Septic leaks, animal waste and erosion introduce organic matter that feeds algae, leading to excess growth.
- Sunlight and stagnant water: Algae thrives in still, sunlit water, and shallow areas with little water movement are especially vulnerable.
- Water temperature: Warm temperatures and seasonal stratification can accelerate growth and blooms.
- Turbidity: Suspended sediments can choke beneficial plant growth and give algae a competitive edge.
Most causes of algae in lakes and ponds are a combination of natural and human-influenced factors.
Are Algae Blooms Dangerous?
Some algae are harmless, but they can pose health and ecological risks, including:
- Harmful algal blooms (HABs): Certain species, such as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, produce toxins that can harm pets, wildlife and even humans.
- Dead zones: Dense blooms block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels, which can lead to fish die-offs and the death of beneficial aquatic plants.
- Unpleasant odor or appearance: Algae often creates foul smells and unattractive water surfaces.
How to Prevent and Control Algae Growth
While there is no quick fix for algae, there are proven, sustainable strategies to keep it in check:
- Limit runoff with proper shoreline management.
- Install or maintain diffused aeration to improve water circulation.
- Monitor water quality seasonally.
- Use appropriate products to reduce nutrient load.
- Remove nutrient-rich sediment when necessary.
DIY efforts like surface raking are time-consuming and don’t address underlying causes. Our algae control services can help you develop a solution that addresses the underlying cause of algae in your specific pond or lake.
Why Trust AEC Lakes?
Since 1987, AEC has been solving algae problems across the Mid-Atlantic. Here’s why property owners choose us:
- Expert diagnosis of what’s causing your algae and how to treat it.
- Customized treatment plans for each lake or pond.
- Science-backed tools, including GPS mapping, water testing and smart aeration.
- Full-service care including permitting, treatment and long-term monitoring.
- Educated support to help you avoid recurring issues.
Take the Next Step Toward an Algae-Free Lake or Pond
If you’re dealing with algae problems or attempting to prevent them, you may be facing a serious challenge without the help of an expert. What causes algae to grow in ponds and lakes is generally a combination of factors. Before you waste valuable time and money attempting to tackle algae on your own, talk with the experts at Aquatic Environment Consultants. We deliver results quickly with as little investment as possible.
For more than 30 years, we have worked with pond and lake owners to ensure the health and vitality of their water quickly and with as little investment as possible. We can help you figure out the source of your algae growth and devise a smart treatment and prevention plan to keep your pond or lake thriving for years to come.
If you’re dealing with algae problems that cause a murky lake, or attempting to prevent them, contact us today for a consultation.