How to Avoid Algae Growth During Droughts

There are many different species of algae. Among the worst types of algae for ponds is Blue-green algae, less commonly know as Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria uses the sun's light to reproduce and overtake a pond aggressively.

This type of algae grows on the surface of the water along with other weeds and forms of algae. During warm temperatures and periods of droughts a ponds' level of bacteria and nutrient composition is high, which allows algae of all forms to quickly grow and multiply. These types of conditions are common in the warmer seasons of the year throughout North America such as spring, summer, and fall.

These algae blooms can occur multiple times during a season and will usually come and go with periodic rainfalls and high winds, which tend to break up the algae. However, during droughts algae can last for weeks and this can be extremely harmful to all of the wildlife that depend on the pond for survival. Livestock are most at risk for if they drink water from ponds with blue grass algae they can become extremely sick and even die.

Considering blue green algae thrives in warm, nutrient rich water, it is critical that we do the following to prevent wildlife and livestock from drinking the water and getting sick. Fence off the water so that they cannot get to the pond. Provide other sources of clean water for your livestock, which may mean you'll have to haul the water in from other locations.

One of the best ways to prevent this from ever occurring is to aerate your water. Pond aeration is the most successful solution to prevent rampant algae growth. There are many types of aeration systems to choose from on the market. Many farmers use windmill pond aeration systems. There are electric aeration devices as well but you obviously need to be within a close proximity to electricity outlets for an electric solution to work.

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