Muddy Pond Water

Many ponds are built to provide recreational activities and aesthetic benefits.  Chronically muddy water makes a pond unattractive and most swimmers will avoid swimming in such water.  Fishing is impacted because a chronically muddy pond reduces the amount of sunlight penetrating into the water which in turn reduces the amount of aquatic food produced by the pond’s food chain.  This will reduce the amount of fish biomass that can be supported.  High turbidity levels negatively impact the ability of bluegill and bass to feed and maintain themselves in a healthy condition.

The two primary biological causes of muddy water are fish and waterfowl.  Large populations of the common carp, goldfish, and bullheads can cause muddy water due to their spawning and feeding activities in shallow water.  Large numbers of ducks and geese cause similar problems.  Also, waterfowl often eat bank vegetation which can increase erosion. 

Watershed activities can also lead to muddy water.  Ponds that receive runoff water from nearby soils that are frequently disturbed with agricultural equipment are prone to be muddy.  Construction within the pond’s watershed can also result in considerable input of suspended clay into a pond. 

Muddy waters can be controlled by removing invasive fish species and keeping waterfowl away.  Products such as flocculants can also be added to the water that will cause the suspended particles to bind and sink to the bottom.    

Lynch, William E. Muddy Water in Ponds: Causes, Prevention, and Remedies. The Ohio State University Extension.