Murky Water: Causes and Cures
Murky water is a term commonly used to describe pond or lake water that is cloudy, grey, brown, muddy or hazy. The Super’s Choice line of pond maintenance products includes a variety of environmentally friendly pond treatment products that are ideal for clearing murky water and improving the overall biological balance of lakes and ponds.
Understanding Causes of Murky Water in Ponds
Murky water can be classified as two general types:
Organic - Murky water may be caused by a natural buildup of organic wastes. These wastes float as suspended solids in the water column and create the appearance of murky water. The heavier particles settle to the bottom and create bottom sludge (muck). Super’s Choice beneficial pond bacteria will naturally and effectively eliminate these decaying organic wastes that may be in suspension. This results in clean and clear water, as well as reduced bottom sludge.
Inorganic - Murky water is also created by mud and clay particles in an earthen pond. The lighter mud & clay particles float as suspended solids. Super’s Choice Water Clarifier (Flocculant) will pull these suspended particles together and settle them to the bottom of the pond.
How to Clear Murky Water in Ponds and Lakes
There are a number of products in the Super’s Choice line of pond cleaning products are designed to improve water clarity and eliminate murky water. These products are manufactured with natural, safe and effective and contain no harsh chemicals. Every pond is different but most often the best results are achieved when multiple products are used in conjunction with each other.
Super’s Choice Pond Bacteria is a 100% natural formulation of beneficial pond bacteria cultures and natural ingredients, designed to eliminate organic wastes from irrigation lakes and ornamental ponds. This results in the elimination of murky water, bottom sludge, problem-nutrients and odors.
Concentrated Water Clarifier (Flocculant)
This product works by pulling together small, suspended particles that are too light to sink to the bottom of the pond and thus remain suspended throughout the water column - causing murky water. Once these smaller particles are pulled together to create larger particles, they are then heavy enough to settle to the bottom of the pond - creating clear water. This concentrated water clarifier will remove both inorganic particles (mud and clay), as well as organic particles (decaying plants and animal wastes) from pond water.
Super’s Choice Natural Phosphate Binder is a plant-based, non-chemical replacement to aluminum sulfate (ALUM). It can be used in large ponds and lakes to help reduce excess phosphate levels and also helps with minor settling of mud and clay particles to help clear murky water.