Why is this 2 ac. pond muddy year round? (photo 1) A clear flowing creek (photos 2,3) feeds into the pond most of the year, then this pond next flows into an 18 ac. lake, which for the most part remains clear. The muddy pond is shallower than the bigger lake and maybe this has something to do with it. There are nice LMB though a bit stunted. Also lots of turtles. Could this be bottom critters stirring up the muck? Two other lakes on the property are very clear. I'm thinking of applying some science to this problem, but I don't want to try any remedies until I know what's going on.

laxbro, from the pic, the water almost looks more tannic than muddy. A jar test would be my first step.

It's hard to say what's causing the turbidity, but I am leaning toward Tannin staining, as FireIsHot mentioned. Also, as he said, a jar test is your first step toward any solution.

To do a proper jar test, take a clear glass or plastic jar that has can be sealed with a lid, find a spot at least 4' deep, push the jar into the water as deep as you can reach, opening down to prevent water entering, and then flip the jar over to get a less "algae contaminated" sample.

Let the jar sit a few days (checking daily to look for floating matter in the jar) in a dark area to kill any algae present and observe if there is sediment on the bottom of the jar. To compare clarity changes, take photos before and after in the same place/lighting conditions. Preferably with a white background and black striping similar to the pictures shown below.

If the water still appears cloudy, get "Alum" from most any grocery store spice and/or canning supply section. Put in 1/2 teaspoon, seal, shake, and let it sit again. If Alum will clear suspended solids, the water should completely clear within hours.

If after the jar test, the water appears clear, and there were NO floating matter observed when in the dark, the turbidity is being mechanically created through wind/wave action, or critters like turtles, common carp and bullhead catfish.

Starting water sample for clarity comparison....


6-8 hours after Alum added....


About 16 hours after Alum application....

Thanks for the responses Fireishot and Rainman! I'll do the jar turbidity test first and post the results in a follow up soon.

Rex, thanks for posting the jar pics. I was scrambling to find some this morning.

So my pond isn't clear but its gray. I had an algae bloom so I sprayed algaecide to get rid of it. The algae died and the pond went from pea soup green to a dull gray color. So I've spread about 150 pounds of alum in the pond at 50 pound increments every week. the pond isn't solid gray but it still has a clear gray color to it. I started out this year with a perfectly clear pond and I would like to get back there. Any advice?

TATER? How big is your pond? If you have fish in it, you may be looking at a substantial fish kill soon. Both from the DO crash from too much algae killed at once, and or a pH shock from the alum turning the water acidic.

I was in VT twice in the past 5 weeks...wish we could have met when I went to Winooski....you were close by.

As for advice? Best now is to not throw more chemicals at it till it stabilizes and opt for more of a wait and see approach.

You guys were right. The jar test shows pretty clear water-stained with organic stuff from upstream and trees around the lake. I'll next focus on pH, etc.