Algal Blooms in Lakes and How to Control Them

During the dogdays of summer, conditions are just right to cause algae to grow very quickly, resulting in algal blooms in lakes. These blooms can create a noxious smell, discolored water and, in extreme cases, can even kill fish, which die when unable to get enough oxygen from the algae-dominated water.

Factors that contribute to algal blooms include: an abundance of phosphorus from agricultural runoff, sewage treatment plants, lawn fertilizer, water treatment plants, and septic systems.

Algae are important members of the food webs of our lakes and rivers. Through photosynthesis, algae make carbohydrates and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water. Algae (and their carbohydrates) are then eaten by zooplankton, insects, snails, and other organisms that are the base of all aquatic food systems. One can see that in proper balance they are an important part of a lake’s healthy ecosystem, but when conditions are right this careful balance can be thrown off.

We at Lake Restoration recommend a combination of watershed management to reduce the amount of runoff that goes into your lake as well as the use of an algaecide. Mizzen is our top-selling algaecide. It is a liquid that should be diluted with water and sprayed over the surface where algae are growing. It is heavier than water and will sink where applied.

Here are some helpful tips for how to control algal blooms using Mizzen:

• Apply Mizzen early in the year when algae first appear, and when the water temperatures are above 60° F.
• If you have large mats of algae break them up before applying an algaecide.
• For severe algae blooms, avoid harmful oxygen depletion in a pond by staggering applications; apply the treatment to one half or one third of the area at a time. Allow 10 – 14 days between applications.
• For recurrent algae blooms, re-apply as needed every two to three weeks.

If you have any questions about algae control, please feel free to call us at 1-877-428-8898.