Private and golf course ponds

Introduction

We can observe two main types of standing water: lakes and ponds. There is not a sharp distinction between them, but generally, a pond is defined as a body of water in which light can reach the bottom in all places. In contrast, light cannot reach the bottom in deeper spots in a lake. Lakes are bodies of water greater than one acre in size; ponds are smaller and shallower. Great Ponds are lakes that are larger than ten acres.
Natural pond, lake, artificial retention ponds and water hazards require a delicate biological and chemical balance to maintain a "healthy" aquatic ecosystem. Promoting a healthy or balanced ecosystem can prevent nuisance problems such as prolific weed and algae growth, mosquitoes, stagnant water conditions and odors.

Stormwater runoff are treated in retention basins/ponds specially designed to retain and provide sedimentation and reduce pollutants. But Stormwater runoff from residential areas typically has high organic and nutrient concentrations from grass clippings, leaves and fertilizers. Runoff from commercial areas and roadways contribute significant amounts of litter and debris as well as hydrocarbons and heavy metals. The capacity of a retention pond to reduce pollutants can be affected by many conditions such as: accumulated nutrients and sediments, stagnant and anoxic conditions, waterfowl habitation, and cold winter conditions.

Stormwater and golf course ponds can quickly become overloaded with nutrients and sediment causing algae and weed growth to dominate. Stagnant and anoxic conditions are odorous, reduce the biological capacity of a pond and are excellent mosquito breeding grounds. Waterfowl populations contribute greatly to nutrient and fecal bacteria levels in ponds. Winter conditions and ice cover can reduce the biological and holding capacity of a pond.

Solution

By oxygenating the pond, we provide a high degree of biological activity that solve numerous problems associated with either stormwater retention ponds or golf course water hazards. Biological activity is important for reducing pollutants such as hydrocarbons and reducing accumulated organic matter. It is important to maintain high oxygen levels in order to prevent stagnating conditions, algae growth and associated odors.

ADS aeration has been developed to sustain biological activity, increase oxygen levels and water clarity, reduce algae growth, and winter ice thickness (increase available spring pond volume by ice-melting). Continuous mixing through proper "grid" coverage ensures that adequate oxygen is supplied to all areas of the water body. By introducing the air at the pond or lake bottom, efficient mixing and oxygen transfer can occur. In order to increase oxygen transfer and bacteria killing, an EPAeration® system is generally added, providing the amount of Ozone required.

Bacta-Pur® bioaugmentation helps sustain beneficial communities of natural soil and water bacteria to clear water, limit algae growth and reduce solid accumulation and plant growth in water bodies.

AquaMats® biofiltration curtains when used in combination with ADS and Bacta-Pur® provide massive surface area for high concentrations of beneficial bacteria and organisms such as snails and worms. These increased concentrations further stress and reduce algae and plant growth.

Performance

Odor control in a stormwater or golf course pond is typically realized within two days of starting a PNW system. Surface algae reduction, water clarity and a general positive shift in the aquatic ecosystem typically occur within 3 to 6 weeks after system startup.