Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water Tale of two Muddy Ponds

I have been researching and reading a lot about how to clear muddy ponds. There are two ponds within my community that I plan to treat next month. I thought I would share a few photos of the lakes and water samples. Water analysis results from Texas A&M should arrive this week.

Pond C is about 2 acres, average depth 8 feet, and heavily stocked with BG, HBG and GSF. This lake has had poor visibility since it was constructed about 4 years ago. There are several areas that have deep ruts which are allowing clay soil to drain into the lake. These areas will be repaired and seeded to reduce erosion. There is some existing FA in the lake.

Pond T is a 1/4 acre mini pond with an average depth of 6 feet. It was constructed and filled in the spring of 2019. It is located within a wooded area. The clay dam has some exposed soil so these areas will be seeded this spring. This mini pond has an aeration system and fountain. It was stocked with BG, FHM and LMB last spring.

On March 2, four samples were taken from each lake. One bottle was marked with a "C" or "T" and this bottle was placed in a window with full sunlight. Another bottle was wrapped in aluminum foil and placed in a dark location. Another sample was sent for water analysis. The fourth bottle was used for the initial tests with Alum. A very small amount of Alum was used in the 32 oz bottles and both cleared within an hour. A series of photos from March 2, 7 and 14th indicate little changes in the water clarity.

Looking forward to receiving your comments and suggestions during this journey to clear up a couple of muddy ponds.

Understand the origin of the turbidity first before considering solutions. I've dealt with turbid ponds with lime, alum, gypsum and linear polymer - if you want to chat sometime ping me at tj@hudlandmgmt.com. Treating the pond with ANYTHING prior to establishing the impetus of the turbidity is not wise - been there, jumped the gun too early and wasted some time and $$ - impatience. Need to verify if you have an ionic imbalance - if not, something else is causing the turbidity, and treating the pond will not result in anything lasting. We can cover a lot of ground on a call - feel free anytime.

TJ, thanks for your reply and offer to help. I will reach out to you tomorrow. I believe the turbidity is caused by erosion in a few spots. Looking forward to talking soon

I have received my water analysis from Texas A&M Soils Lab. Since lake water chemistry is new to me, I have tried to read a few articles on what steps should happen next. From the results, it appears my Calcium and Hardness levels are below standards. Lake T has low pH at 6.19 and low Alkalinity levels. If you have any advice on what are the next steps, it would be appreciated.

I'm no pro,but it sounds like you need to do some liming, like me.

Did your water analysis have similar results?

The only testing I've done is just using a test strip. I've also been told by a handful of people that my area and soil type would need it. I've been reading on here about liming for a while now, and that seems to be what everyone does that has low ph, alkalinity and hardness.

There is a lot of good information on lime in the fertilization section here. Some people say that liming alone helped clear their pond. I'm hoping it will help mine some.
Did you send your water samples to Texas?

I did send my water samples to Texas. I used them before and they did a good job then. I believe UM extension office can do the same thing here in Missouri.

Here's the form you need to order a water test from MU Extension:
https://extensiondata.missouri.edu/pub/pdf/miscpubs/mp0962.pdf

Our soils here in Missouri tend to be on the acidic side.
Ag lime will almost always benefit ponds in this part of the country.
Get a test done to be sure.
MFA or any other farm supply co-op will be a source for bulk ag lime.
Back the spreader truck up to the pond and let 'er rip.