How to Prevent Algae in Lakes

When temperatures soar and the summer sun heats up lake water, conditions can be ripe for harmful algae blooms, particularly if the lake has poor water quality to begin with. Lakes with high nutrient content, whether from substrate, fish waste, or other animal life can prompt algae growth. This can cause a foul odor, and an appearance like green paint, pea soup, or a thick green cake. In some cases, algae blooms can be downright harmful to pets and humans, causing skin irritation, upper respiratory problems, and sometimes death if ingested. Proactive algae treatments can maintain clear water in lakes, and can help avoid health risks.

Things You'll Need

• Skimmer
• Aerator
• Net
• Shade trees
• Native edging shoreline plants

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Instructions

How to Prevent Algae in Lakes

• 1

  Limit the use of lawn fertilizers near lake shores. Fertilizer has been known to "feed" harmful algae when it runs off into the lake after storms or heavy rains.

• 2

  Prevent yard debris, like leaves and grass clippings, from washing into storm drains as this also "feeds" algae.

• 3

  Plant and maintain vegetation buffers along shorelines. Native plants are typically much more effective at filtering runoff than is the typical grass species found on residential lawns.

• 4

  Reduce the amount of sunlight hitting the water directly by planting some type of shade trees or hedges along the shoreline. Algae thrives in warm, shallow water.

• 5

  Remove leaves, dead bugs, and other detrius from the surface of the lake with an electric skimmer, or for less money but more work, a net, before they sink to the bottom of the lake and begin to decay. Skim on a regular schedule, like once a week.

• 6

  Aerate the water to provide oxygen for the fish and to grow beneficial bacteria that keeps harmful algae growth in check. Aeration involves water movement to keep water flowing. You can accomplish this by pumping air into the lake through a hose or regularly circulating water with a fan or a fountain.

• 7

  Rinse or remove all mud, debris, and plant fragments from sporting equipment and wading gear when boating on the lake. Drain all water from your boat and live well before leaving the launch area. This helps prevent the introduction of algae-supporting agents into the lake.