Helping pond owners make the most of their ponds . . . or future ponds!

Pond Tips

- If you are preparing to have a pond built for the first time, plan on several months of site analysis and planning. Be patient with the process and get referrals for competent contractors.

- Before stocking fish, choose the species and amounts deliberately, not just on a hunch. Fishery biologists are available through Cooperative Extension, the state-level agencies responsible for managing fisheries or other natural resources, or even local colleges.

- Pond herbicides have been formulated to be safe for pond life when used properly. Do not use any chemicals (like bleach, weed killer, or peroxide) that are not formulated for water treatment.

- Algae problems are almost always the result of excess nutrients in the pond. If you do not take care of nutrient accumulation, algae will always be a problem. Look at how fertilizer, pollution, and muddy sediments flow into your pond. Structures like retention basins will inevitably have algae problems (pond scum), because they are built to prevent storm water from carrying pollution further.

Cornell University Pond Management

Penn State Pond Management