Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Water chemistry Water Quality(?) Concern

My pond is 3 years old and always had beautiful water. This year it has a grey tint to it. I have been waiting for it to clear but now I'm getting concerned. A Sechi disk disappears at 9 inches. Alkilinity is 85 ppm. P.H is 7.2 using a swimming pool test kit. Surface temp at shoreline in morning is 73 degrees. It is 5 ft. low and I haven't fertilized since last Spring. The only vegetation is some new filamentous algae on and around brushy areas. It is about one to one and a half acres. It is about 15 ft. deep and backs up into a rocky, brush filled draw. The color of the water reminds me of a lighter version of grey modeling clay. However, when I walk around the edges I don't see any clay outcroppings and don't remember any when it was built. I have taken a sample and will take it to a testing lab tomorrow. The water in the bottle appears very slightly off color but not really cloudy or dirty. Any ideas? Oh yeah, the fishing is lousy but that is a topic for another time and post.

I should also mention that I went to a neighbors one acre pond and found that it is also gray. However, he is loaded with vegetation and his water level is not inordinately low. I have several small ponds that I raise forage in that are normally greenish colored.

Dave,

If you have not had an significant erosion or rainfall could anything be stirring up the bottom like carp or lots of catfish? Sounds like suspended clay.

Cecil, Hasn't rained in quite a while. I have caught out most of the catfish. Clay is a common sense answer but this is a new occurence. I took a sample to the Public Health Dept. They can check for minerals but admitted that they don't know what to check for or how to interpret the results. I'm looking for somebody around here to analyze it. Bob Lusk recommended that I call Texas A & M. I expect that is my next step.

Dave,

Good Luck. I hope you solve your problem. The only other thing I can think of is some kind of turnover due to rapidly warming water or the start up of an aeration system.

As i understand alkalinity should be above 20ppm , is it possible it can be to high- the last time i tested ph it was 7.0 - just bought a titrits alkilinity test kit but have not had a chance to try it yet-don't live at my pond, but will test it soon. Harvey . were having heavy rains and i have a bottom pipe overflow system so the pond is getting a good flushing at this time.have added 11 tons of lime last year and was told that would cause me to have to lime more often - i will keep a close check on it.