EDUCATION

Educational Resources

In moderate amounts, algae help with the productivity and are essential for a healthy lake.
If the water is not being managed, growth can become out of control resulting in an algal bloom.
Often referred to as "slime", "scum", or "sludge", blooms range in color from green to brown, and have various textures and consistencies.
Algae blooms are very common in florida’s water systems, especially during the spring and summer months.
Nutrient rich water that collects in a lake can result in an algae bloom as the storm water flowing into the lake carries phosphorus, the main nutrient that controls the amount of algae.

Phosphorus = Algae Growth

Most fish kills result from low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water.
Factors such as algae blooms, drought, overpopulation, and water temperature can all affect the DO levels.
Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen than cold water, so summer is the time when fish can have a hard time getting enough oxygen.
In Florida, on warm summer nights during algal blooms, the dissolved-oxygen concentration sometimes drops too low for the fish, and a die-off can occur.
Low dissolved oxygen can result from other factors too, such as poor flushing or circulation, dredging, or a sudden rain after a dry spell.
It is important to keep the water aerated via an aeration system or appropriately sized fountain.
Toxicity, infectious diseases, and parasites are possible but far less common causes of a fish kill.

Two types of flying insects that require water to complete their life cycles are mosquitoes and midge flies.
Midge fly larvae also called bloodworms live in the bottom of the lake.
Midge fly adults often fly in large swarms in early evening but DO NOT BITE.
Mosquito larvae also called wrigglers live just below the water surface.
Mosquito adults will bite and can transmit diseases.
If you are concerned that you have mosquitoes breeding in your lake, Blue Water Aquatics can help you.