Water Treatments
Keeton Pioneering Research & Development
At Keeton, we know that lake and pond environments are highly dynamic ecosystems that rely on natural processes to maintain natural order. And while under normal environmental conditions, proper water quality is achieved through the activity of naturally occurring microorganisms and beneficial bacteria, our industrialized world poses more challenges to water quality management.
Our lab is managed by Senior Research Scientist, Susan Knudson, MPH, PH.D.. Susan has decades of bacteria and enzyme research—as well as development experience—and is charged with bringing innovative products to market.
Naturally Occuring Bacteria Can't Keep Up
Today, most aquatic ecosystems are bombarded with excess nutrients from multiple sources, including urban and rural runoff, fertilizers, and waterfowl. Unfortunately, the naturally occurring bacteria cannot keep up with this influx of nutrients. This leads to a shift in the natural balance in ponds and lakes and encourages the build-up of bottom muck, odor, and poor water quality.
Keeton Gives Nature A Boost
Keeton Industries is intentional about taking a natural approach that integrates well with the way nature is intended to operate. All of the microbial species that we manufacture occur naturally in most ponds and lakes. We are simply introducing a larger quantity of those species to help the naturally occurring strains keep up with the increased workload.
You can rest assured, knowing that the bi-monthly or monthly application of ClearLake™ Muck Eliminator and ClearLake™ Pond & Lake Clarifier will keep ponds and lakes clean, clear, and muck free naturally, without the worry of residual harsh chemicals.
Green water in ponds and lakes is caused by microscopic algae. Massive blooms of blue-green algae can cause a rapid shift in water color in the upper reaches of the water column. In some situations, these algae can be toxic or cause oxygen crashes resulting in fish kills.
Pond scum is another slang word used to describe algae floating on the surface or the layer of organic sludge at the bottom. In either case, pond scum is a symptom of poor water quality and indicative of poor pond or lake health.
Pond sludge is the result of the accumulation of organic material, such as leaves, dead algae and waterfowl waste, on the bottom. The buildup of organics on the pond bottom increase the demand for oxygen, which commonly leads to anoxic conditions (no oxygen) which further increase the rate of accumulation.
Ponds and lakes can smell for many reasons, but Hydrogen Sulfide gas and planktonic algae are the most common. In many ponds and lakes, anoxic conditions (devoid of oxygen) can develop on the bottom. Anaerobic bacteria will flourish leading to the buildup of Hydrogen Sulfide gas, which has a very characteristic “rotten egg” odor. It can be especially prevalent under windy conditions or when a new aeration system is installed.
Planktonic algae (cyano-bacteria) can secrete compounds that have a very distinct chemical odor. The odor is often a result of large algae blooms. You may also have smelled something similar in tap water, as the compounds tend to make it through typical water purification processes.
Cloudy water is a result of suspended particulates. Cloudy pond and lake water can be caused by dissolved organic material or suspended clay particulates. Organic particulates often give the water more of a brownish color, where clay leaves the water more tan in appearance.
Aquatic vascular plants or weeds are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems. Under natural conditions aquatic plants will not overgrow their habitat. But, under eutrophic conditions (high in nutrients, such as Phosphorus and Nitrogen) aquatic plants can grow unchecked completely overgrowing the entire pond or lake.
Want to get rid of the sludge and muck in your water?