Most ponds develop problems from time to time.  Problems can be in the form of aquatic vegetation, wildlife issues, high/low water, muddy water, leaky ponds and more.  
​Visit the information below to learn about some common pond problems and what you can do to remedy them.  In addition, the staff here at Warren SWCD can help you with pond problem identification and solutions.  
For some overall general information on pond problems visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Pond Management page or the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Troubleshooting Common Pond Problems page.
AQUATIC VEGETATION
  • Excess aquatic vegetation is by far the most common pond problem in Ohio.
  • Here are some general guidelines for controlling aquatic vegetation.  Continue on with the more detailed information below.
  1. Do not keep livestock on the surrounding watershed. Check with neighbors who may be fertilizing the watershed. Excess nitrogen is a leading cause of algae and weed problems.
  2. Make sure the pond has an average depth of at least 6 feet to discourage the growth of water weeds.
  3. In small areas where rooted plants are a problem, simply pulling them may be sufficient. Scooping out algae and floating plants is usually not effective.
  4. Triploid grass carp may be introduced to eat submersed weeds; however, they are banned in some states so check before stocking.
  5. If the problem is severe and chronic, you may want to consider chemical control. However, chemicals treat the symptoms rather than the problem. If possible identify and remedy the root cause of the algae and weeds.
  6. If your pond is larger than 1 acre and equipped with a drainpipe, you may want to do a winter drawdown. Drain the pond by one third to one half from November until March to expose submerged aquatic plants to freezing and drying. This works only in climates where winters go down to 20 degrees or colder for at least three months.
Controlling Filamentous Algae in Ponds  | The Ohio State University Extension
  • This Fact Sheet contains information about the most common aquatic plan problem in Ohio - filamentous algae!

Duckweek and Watermeal:  Prevention and Control | The Ohio State University Extension
  • This Fact Sheet has lots of good information about two common aquatic plants that quickly reach nuisance levels in Ohio ponds.  

Cattail Management | The Ohio State University Extension
  • This Fact Sheet contains detailed information about the common aquatic plant - cattails.  

Using Grass Carp to Control Aquatic Plants | The Ohio State University Extension
  • This Fact Sheet contains information about stocking your pond with grass carp to control aquatic plants.

Chemical Control of Aquatic Plants | The Ohio State University Extension
  • This Fact Sheet gives details on using chemical products to control aquatic plants in your pond.
LOW/HIGH WATER
DROUGHT/MINIMAL RAIN CONDITIONS:  Most ponds are refilled with rainfall, so during drought times pond levels can drop significantly due to evaporation.  This is a natural occurance and should gradulally fill back up as rain appears.  This type of low water is not a problem.  

LEAKING DAM:  A weak point has developed in the dam causing pond water to drain through the dam itself.  Indications: Wet areas on backside of dam, with standing or trickling water.  Change in vegetation type or existing vegetation is greener in a certain area.  How to Fix:  Contact an excavation contractor to discuss methods and price.

FAILING SPILLWAY:  The principal spillway has developed a weak point somewhere in the structure causing pond water to drain at a lower point than what the spillway was designed for.  Indications:  Water flowing within spillway & not over normal lip.  Water flowing alongside of outlet pipe and not through pipe.  How to Fix:  Contact an excavation contractor to discuss methods and price.

​SPILLWAY PROBLEMS: High Water is most likely due to the principal spillway being either blocked with debris or some other type of blockage disturbing flow.
WILDLIFE ISSUES
FISH KILLS::  Common causes for fish kills include overabundant aquatic vegetation, overabundant Planktonic Algae, physical turnover/mixing of the water layers from heavy rains, improper use of aquatic herbicides, pollution, disease, spring die-off, winter kill and natural mortality.   Read about these fill kill causes on the KY Dept of Fish & Wildlife Resources TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON POND PROBLEMS page and in the pdf below.
Fish Kills  | Unknown
  • A good resource that explains some of the reasons for fish kills and ways to prevent future kills.
 ​MUSKRATS::  Muskrats primarily feed on cattail, bullrush, smartweed, water lily, young willows, and other plants. Muskrats become a nuisance when they begin burrowing into the banks or the dam of farm ponds. They dig their burrows below the surface of the water and extend them at an upward angle until a den chamber is hollowed out above the water line. A rise in the pond water level will force muskrats to dig further and higher into the banks or the dam. Although burrows along the pond bank can lead to problems with sloughing, the greatest damage is created when muskrats tunnel into the dam. This weakens narrow or poorly constructed dams causing them to leak and results in lowering of the water level. 

CRAYFISH:   Like their aquatic cousins, burrowing crayfish use gills to extract oxygen from water. Unlike their water-soaked cousins, burrowing crayfish spend most of their lives on land. They dig their burrows down to water so they have a ready source of oxygen. This connection to a high water table explains why most burrowing activity occurs in poorly drained soils near streams or around shallow ditches. Burrowing crayfish throw soft mud up around their exit holes as they excavate the soil. These chimney-like structures may tower 3-8“ above the soil surface. Extensive burrowing around ponds and lakes can undermine the structural integrity of dams.

​​OTHER WILDLIFE:  Other wildlife can cause damage to a pond structure or eat a large amount of the fish in a pond.  Common pond nuisances are muskrats, birds, turtles, beavers and crayfish,  For certain animals you may need to contact the Warren County Wildlife Officer for proper methods and permits for removing these nuisances.  View the current list of Wildlife Officers by County HERE. 
Pond Nuisances  | Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
  • A good webpage with some detailed information about nuisance wildlife.
OTHER POND PROBLEMS
MUDDY WATER:  A common pond problem is occasional muddy water.  Short lived muddy water due to weather will usually clean up in a few days.  If your pond's muddy water does not clear up after a weather event, you might have a problem.  Muddy water can have an impact on wildlife, aquatic plant life and aesthetics.  Read the information below for more information about how to trouble shoot and remedy muddy water.
Muddy Water in Ponds  | The Ohio State University Extension
  • A Fact Sheet explaining the causes, prevention and remedies for muddy water in ponds.    
LEAKING POND:  Pond leaks can be a difficult problem to find, manage and fix.  Inspect the outlet pipe, drain pipe structures, inspect the pond banks and dam.  Look for wet spots, changes in vegetation to a thicker, greener growth or bubbles appearing on the surface of the pond in one location.  Read the information below for more information about leaky ponds.  
Fixing a Leaking Pond | Penn State Extension
  • This publication introduces the basic steps for determining if your pond is leaking and some tips for repairing the leaks