Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants FA, take out by hand or buy some fish?

Hi Mt. I think that Mortimer hit it on the head with his concern about nutrient loading. Do you fertilize your orchards? Regardless of whether you do or not, I would contend that water can pick up plenty of nutrients in a 1/4 mile regardless of land use. In addition, the historical long term, extensive use of fertilizers in the central valley have contaminated some aquifers with nitrates meaning that your well water may be a source of nutrients.

The question is what are your goals for this pond. If it is simply an irrigation retention pond and you don't want a stinking eye sore then dump chemicals in it. But, keep in mind that this is not addressing the problem but rather a symptom of the problem. In addition, long term use of copper compounds can create an accumulation in the sludge layer of your pond. Now, if you go to dredge your pond there is the potential that the copper levels are high enough to deem your dredge tailings as hazardous waste which is VERY expensive to have hauled (probably all the way to Kettlemen City).

If you are trying to establish a fishery, swimming hole, aesthetic amenity, or irrigation reuse I would suggest an aeration system and bacteria. An aeration system for this size pond would be very affordable while the bacteria would help consume some of the organic nutrients that are actually causing the problem.

Good luck.