In response to documentation on the efficacy of bacterial supplements in water treament...it is well documented and has been in use at least since 1914 when the Activated Sludge process of wastewater treatment was invented. Since the 1940's nearly every large scale municipal wastewater treatment system in the developed world uses this system of "bacterial seeding" to treat waste. There is also the Aerated Facultative Lagoon process which may or may not incorporate the injection of "new" bacteria into the waste stream rather than recycled sludge. These systems can be virtually sludgeless for 20 - 30 years.
With all due respect Water Wizard (and I mean that as you probably know a lot more on this subject than I do) sewage treatment plants are not ponds. You could argue they are extreme examples of sludge in a pond, but I see lots of differences. I see a lot more going on in sewage treatment plant than just adding bacteria and aeration. To me this is like comparing apples to oranges. I've also seen some "natural" lagoons for sewage treatment fail miserably, most notably in my area.
I still have yet to see any good hard data on the benefits of bacteria in a pond. Lots of claims but no scientific data to sink my teeth in. If it is so effective and proven there should be a plethora of data out there.
