Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help algae control

I have a 1 acre pond that was costructed in 2006. It is spring fed and chara has taken over. The aggressive spring makes dye ineffective since it is all gone (out stand pipe) in 10 days or less. The pond is 14 feet deep, clay bottom, crystal clear, and cold. I have no access to electricity at the pond. I have a windmill for areation and the fish are doing well. I can remove enough stand pipe, drain 4 feet, and re attach so chemicals stay in for 6 days, but it looks like this may take serveral treatments per summer. May have some small pondweed as well, but mostly chara, big 10 ft. tall chara thru the middle. what is my best bet for control?

Welcome to PB!
Is there ANY doubt concerning the ID? Wow, 10' stands of chara are unheard of down here. High-alkaline water? Just wondered.
If indeed chara, it is a tough call due to the variables that are present. But, I'd suggest looking into CUTRINE PLUS GRANULAR, applied on sunny days - and target two or three high-use sites at a time (vs the entire pond in one treatment). Treating too much area at once might pose fish-issues. Treating areas that are too small could be a futile effort and waste of time/$ due to rapid diffusion of the copper.

Think of getting grass carp?

Grass Carp are illegal in Michigan.

I'm not sure about the high alkaline water, but that is very likely. The water is very hard around here, lots of calcium. The experts that have been out so far are calling this chara. I guess it likes hard water, and with clear water, and high flow, sunlight can easily reach the bottom.