Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Water chemistry Low pH, low Alkalinity in Fresh ponds/Lakes

With the wet spring this year and a few times in the past, We've had a few panicked calls about new ponds with low pH(5.0-5.5) and low Alkalinity(near 0). Its important to let a new pond sit for at least a few weeks after you get torrential downpours to allow your pH and alkalinity to adjust before jumping the gun and calling the lime truck. Rainwater is around 5.3 pH and 0 Alkalinity. I've had up to 30 acre lakes have 5.3 pH a week after filling up to 60-70% full. Then a month or so later its 7.5, 50 alkalinity and had a decent bloom. I would recommend waiting at least a month on a new lake after any big rain before testing the water, it'll help keep your wallet full and your sanity intact.

That is one reason that is good to have the soil tested (in addition to a water test). Water will reflect the soil over time. For example, if the soil test indicated the need to add 2 tons of lime per acre and your water test (after a rain) indicated add 4 tons per acre, then you are safe adding 2 tons as per the soil test.