Lakes are an important part of life for many people. Unfortunately, when the water quality in lakes is poor, they become unsafe and unenjoyable. Coliform bacteria and blue green algae bloom contaminations are common reasons why some lakes have had to be shut down because they jeopardize public health in serious ways. The E. coli […]
Many lake property owners are usually worried about the presence of harmful bacteria and how it affects the quality of water in their lakes. And if you've ever been to a lake, you've likely seen signs warning against swimming due to high levels of coliform bacteria. This is why lake restoration systems remain as important […]
Bottom diffusers are superior to surface aeration in all full-scale applications. By full-scale, we mean anything other than a backyard pond or lake that has been so severely sedimented that it is less than 4’ deep. At that point, there are few options other than to dredge mechanically. At Clean-Flo, we refer to the function […]
Aquatic weeds are necessary to support a thriving aquatic ecosystem. However, weeds can become detrimental if their growth is accelerated because of high nutrient loading. Aquatic weed problems are caused by excessive phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations in water bodies, stimulating excessive algae growth. The nutrients come from various possible sources: wastewater effluent, decaying organic matter, […]
If you are a marina or dock owner, then you know that keeping your water circulating is key to preventing ice buildup and maintaining the health of your docks and boats. One of the best ways to do this is by using a dock bubbler or dock deicer, which agitates the water, prevents ice formation, […]
After the Lake Harmony Association received a report indicating their lake was filling with sediment, it began looking for a solution. Conventional dredging would have been very expensive and disruptive, so the Association began considering natural alternatives. Soon after, Clean-Flo International was selected to design and implement a bio-dredging system to address the problem. Below […]
Case Study Showing Organic Sediment and Muck Reduction Over 4 Months – Lake Harmony, PA The following case study shows dramatic muck reduction and organic sediment removal from Lake Harmony in Pennsylvania after only 4 months of the CLEAN-FLO system. The Muck Reduction Challenge Lake Harmony is a small lake located in the Pocono Mountains […]
Before you dump chemicals into your pond to combat pond weeds or algae, read the following information! There are alternatives to chemical pond weed removal. We advise against using chemicals in ponds, rivers, lakes, and other small bodies of water because they ultimately ruin water quality and contribute to the problem of eutrophication. As pond […]
EUTROPHY SOLUTION Our approach to developing the Eutrophy Solution was to look beyond the inanimate sterility of pure engineering and inorganic chemistry to Systems Theory and the life sciences to understand a water body as a biotic system or biome. It is only under this paradigm that it is possible to understand, articulate, and influence […]
Watershield is a floating perennial weed with purple stems and leaf undersurfaces, which are below the water surface are coated with a jelly-like substance. What is Watershield and Why is it a Problem? Watershield is a perennial aquatic weed, known for its floating leaves, which are typically found in slow-moving bodies of water including ponds […]
Clean-Flo International LLC (Clean-Flo) has been in business since 1970, starting out focused on aeration and circulation technology to manage dissolved oxygen levels in ponds and lakes. Clean-Flo is an LLC registered in the State of PA. In the last decade, Clean-Flo has pioneered research, development, and investment that joins conventional applied engineering with Systems […]
Hydrilla is a very invasive submersed freshwater herb. Looking to control Hydrilla? An inversion oxygenation system along with bioaugmentation. What is Hydrilla Verticellata and Why is it a Problem? Hydrilla Verticellatacommonly referred to as Hydrilla is a very invasive submersed freshwater herb. It was originally sold as an aquarium plant. It forms very dense strands […]
Lake and Reservoir Management, 9(l):98-102. (1994) Extended Abstract of a paper presented at the 13th International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society, Seattle, WA, Nov. 29 Dec. 4, 1993. Aeration And Pollutant Abatement in the Helpe Mineure River, Fourmies, France. Robert L. Laing and Carlton J. Rausch Fourmies, France is a rural town […]
Recent cases of a blue green algae bloom are on the increase as the average temperature rises and rainfall and phosphorous runoff increases, creating the perfect environment for blue-green algae or cyanobacteria to grow. Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) are capable of producing toxins that can be dangerous or even deadly to humans, pets, and livestock. In […]
Excerpt from: The Effects of Aeration on the Shoreline Fishes of a Eutrophic Florida Lake Prepared by: Andrew J. Leslie, Jr., Larry E. Nall, and Don C. Schmitz Florida Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Aquatic Plant Research and Control 3915 Commonwealth Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Abstract Highly eutrophic Lake Brooker, located in central Florida, was […]
The following paper on controlling blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in reservoirs and lakes was presented in an international meeting in Japan. Eliminating Cyanobacteria in Reservoirs and Lakes 6th International Conference on the Conservation and management of Lakes - Kasumigaura, Japan 1995. Reduce algae in lakes, ponds, rivers and reservoirs using inversion and aeration with bacteria and […]
Filamentous Algae Description: Filamentous Algae is commonly referred to as pond scum. Because there are many varieties of this algae, more than one type will grow together in the same pond. Filamentous algae grow on the bottom in shallow waters or will attach to rocks and aquatic plants. Since it begins on the bottom of […]
What is Coontail and Why is it a Problem? Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a free-floating submerged plant without any roots. It is found all over the world growing in sluggish water. Sometimes it is loosely anchored in the mud. Unlike other aquatic plants, Coontail draws its nutrients from the water directly rather than from sediment. […]
Planktonic Algae Description: Planktonic algae do not form a mass or mats on the surface. They are free-floating microscopic plants that can be found floating on the top few feet of water in ponds or lakes. Planktonic algae requires light so they may produce food by photosynthesis. The algae colors the water in various shades […]
The Challenge Lake Apopka is a 30,888 acre hyper-eutrophic lake located in central Florida. Once known for fantastic fishing, the lake had 28 fishing camps located around it. Decades of fertilizer and chemical use on properties around the lake have contributed excessive nutrient inputs that have devastated the aquatic ecosystem and have transitioned the lake […]
Excerpt from: Overall Trends in the Efficacy of Allied Group/CleanFlo’s Laminar Flow Aeration and Bioaugmentation as a Treatment for Sediment Floc Reduction, Nuisance Algae Reduction, Water Quality Improvements, and Other Observed Ecological Benefits, in Lake Apopka, Florida January, 2016 Prepared by: Restorative Lake Sciences Jennifer L. Jermalowicz-Jones, Ph.D. Candidate Water Resources Director INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY: Lake Apopka is […]
Before you dump chemicals into your pond to combat pond weeds, read the following information. There are alternatives to chemical pond weed removal. We advise against using chemicals in ponds, rivers, lakes, and other small bodies of water because they ruin water quality and amplify the nutrient loading that contributes to weed and algae growth. […]
A recent study published in the journal Limnology and Oceanography Letters was the first to uncover that the size of lakes and the presence of nutrients directly influenced the levels of greenhouse gases that are emitted from the water body into the atmosphere. While it was previously understood that greenhouse gases were released through both […]
The Challenge Toa Vaca dam was built in 1972 to create an 836-acre raw drinking water reservoir in Puerto Rico. The maximum depth is about 174 feet. The intake tower for the water treatment plant has 6 intake gates, which are each about 30 feet apart. When built, the reservoir had a life expectancy of […]
Is your body of water overcome with muck or sediment? Has your search for muck removal led you to believe that dredging your lake or pond is the best solution? The truth is that conventional dredging techniques are expensive, disruptive, and messy. The process involves lowering the water level or draining the waterbody altogether before […]
Striving for and maintaining a high standard for groundwater and surface water is a critical component to improving overall water quality. By reducing and controlling the use of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and manure, we can help eliminate contamination and reduce the dumping of waste and compounds into our waterways. Another key component to improving our […]
Why is the Presence of Oxygen Critical for the Health of a Pond? Lack of oxygen in a pond leads to unpleasant aesthetics as well as an unhealthy natural ecosystem. The buildup of organic sediment is a result of fertilizers, grass clippings, leaves, animal waste, and septic waste causing the “muck” and the unpleasant odor. […]
In the summer, lakes and ponds are thought of as scenes of constant activity, teeming with fish, frogs, turtles, snakes, bugs, and humans. But when colder weather comes, pond dynamics change drastically and an improperly cared for body of water can become an uninhabitable environment in a very short period of time. Fish that spend […]
Lake Okeechobee, often referred to as “The Lake”, is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Florida. Due to heavy rainfall, Lake Okeechobee was experiencing its highest water levels in nearly a century. Once the water levels hit a foot above normal, public officials decided to take action out of fear that the high […]
Spring Valley Estates subdivision was developed in the late 1960s from an 80 acre tract of farm land. The lake itself is approximately 10 acres and is fed by four natural springs. Over the years, runoff from adjacent farm lands and lawns have caused increasing problems with organic muck accumulation (up to 3.5 feet in […]
Excerpt from: Restorative Lake Sciences Overall Trends in the Efficacy of Inversion Oxygenation Aeration and Bioaugmentation as a Treatment for Aquatic Vegetation Growth, Organic Matter Accumulation, Nuisance Algae, and Water Quality in Indian Lake, Cass County, Michigan Prepared by: Jennifer L. Jermalowicz-Jones, PhD Candidate Water Resources Director INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY: Indian Lake is located in Sections […]
Excerpt from: Presentation on Conservation and Revival of Powai Lake Prepared by: Shri M.R. Sohoni Dy. Municipal Commissioner (Special Engineering) Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai Brief History Powai lake was created in 1891 by constructing a dam between two hillocks across Mithi River in Mumbai, India. The catchment area of the lake is about 600 […]
Excerpt from: Inversion Oxygenation and Bioaugmentation Reduces Invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil Growth in Four Michigan Inland Lakes Prepared by: Jennifer L. Jermalowicz-Jones Ph.D. Candidate, Restorative Lake Sciences Conclusions Each of the 4 studied lakes showed significant reductions in EWM due to aeration Two of the studied lakes with > 75% reduction in EWM had significant reduction […]
Excerpt from: The Paradise Lake Case Study for Milfoil Control Prepared by: Jennifer L. Jermalowicz Jones, Water Resources Director Restorative Lake Sciences Introduction Paradise Lake is located in Emmet and Cheboygan Counties [Michigan]. The lake surface area is approximately 1,878 acres and it has a maximum and average depth of 15.1 feet and 3.9 feet, […]
The Challenge Over the years, organic sediments built up in the lower end of Lake St. Catherine (181 acre Little Lake), in Wells, VT. Milfoil growth started to dominate the lake and made navigation and water sport enjoyment almost impossible. Chemical applications to kill the milfoil contributed to further accumulations of over 20 feet of […]
Barley straw for ponds does not control algae, does not reduce muck, disease-causing bacteria, odor, or weeds, and it does not improve fishing, boating or swimming. Barley straw for controlling algae was first publicized in England in the 1990s (1). CLEAN-FLO immediately performed tests on several algae-infested ponds, and water transparency did not increase. In […]
Because of emissions of coal-fired electricity production and other industrial emissions, acid rain has been a common problem in the United States, particularly in the Northeast. Acid rain negatively affects most aquatic ecosystems. It reduces the pH of water, altering its basic chemistry and making it more difficult for native organisms to thrive. It also […]
Reservoirs, lakes and ponds may have a wide variety of weeds and algae, which may look similar. For this reason, we put together an aquatic weed and algae identification chart to help you identify, manage, and control the most common types of aquatic weeds or algae inhabiting your water body. To get started, click on […]
Pond Aeration System for Controlling Pond Weeds The Perpetual Pond Weed Problem: Fertilizers The cause of excessive aquatic macrophytes (plant) growth and algae in ponds and lakes is an abundance of plant nutrients (fertilizers). Fertilizers include phosphorus and nitrogen, carbon dioxide, minor nutrients such as sulfur, and various micronutrients such as iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, […]
If you are considering purchasing a Lake Diffuser or Pond Diffuser aeration system to limit the amount of weeds, bacteria, and other pollutants from your body of water, you may be curious about the solar and windmill generated aeration systems on the market. They seem so environmentally friendly, and require only the initial installation cos. […]
Cyanobacteria / blue green algae was controlled in a eutrophic water supply using a reservoir diffused aeration destratification system. The following article describes how eutrophication was corrected to rid the water supply of geosmin caused by cyanobacteria in the drinking water. Summary of the Feng-Shan Reservoir Project: Robert L. Laing, and Carlton J. Rausch, CLEAN-FLO […]
Watershed management is an important tool in restoring polluted water bodies. The results, however, are often limited and further treatment is necessary to achieve the desired results. A major problem is that non-point source pollution may be difficult to control. This leads to the question, can in-situ treatment help attain the nutrient reductions needed for […]
Drinking water sources are under attack. Naturally occurring concerns such as manganese, iron, hydrogen sulfide, increasing organics, increasing surface water temperatures, and wild weather swings are making it difficult for operators. In addition, increased pesticide, herbicide, chemical usage, and other contamination issues such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), are rendering some drinking water sources […]
Reservoir Inversion Solves City Water Problems Bad taste and odor in the drinking water at Middletown, New York plagued residents for years. Also, a black coloration in the water often stained residents’ clothing during laundering. These problems were solved after Bill Johnson, Middletown’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, discovered high levels of manganese in water […]
Watershield Description: Watershield is a native perennial weed that provides habitat for fish. The leaves float on the water surface and the stems are firmly rooted. Most commonly found in water up to about 10 feet deep and is widespread in North America. Watershield secretes a number of chemicals that kill or inhibit growth of […]
Watermeal Description: Watermeal (botanically known as Wolffia), is a light green plant that is free-floating and although different in appearance, lacking the long stringy root structure and “leafiness,” it is similar in nature and closely related to duckweed. Like duckweed, it is an aggressive invader and can be very damaging to the overall health and […]
Hydrilla Verticellata Description: Hydrilla Verticellata, commonly referred to as Hydrilla is a very invasive submersed freshwater plant. It was originally sold as an aquarium plant and is not native to the US. It forms very dense strands growing from the bottom of the water and sprawling across the surface. Although it is an excellent source […]
Bushy Pondweed Description: Bushy pondweed (southern naiad) is a rooted underwater plant. It is a native annual plant which must start from seed each year. Southern naiad vegetation and seeds are consumed by many species of ducks and is considered a primary food source. Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro […]
Blue Green Algae Description: Blue-Green Algae (cyanobacteria) can be found in lakes, reservoirs, ponds and almost any other type of water body, including the ocean. It becomes abundant in shallow, warm, undisturbed water that receives an adequate amount of sunlight. It will form blooms, giving the water a solid shimmering blue-green paint or scum appearance. […]
American Pondweed Description American pondweed (Potamogeton nodosus) is a perennial plant that has both submerged and floating oval shaped leaves, which are typically 4-7 inches long and can be up to 2 inches wide. The leaves of an American pondweed are arranged in an alternated pattern on slender stems. Although submerged leave are not abundant, […]
Award-winning water restoration technology from CLEAN-FLO International cleans up ten polluted lakes in India, and the Indian government embarks on more projects to restore lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. The US company CLEAN-FLO International won the Innovation in Environment Technology Award, sponsored by the Wisitex Foundation last March for its successful restoration of ten freshwater lakes in […]
A company uses the tools of nature to restore polluted lakes and rivers When a young electronics engineer running a computer design and electron ballistics consulting firm in the late 1960s decided to venture into a lake cleaning business, it was one of the most unusual career decisions. That was the time when the United […]
CLEAN-FLO breathes life into dead waters "the way nature intended" Bluegreen algae bloom on a pond, shutting out light below and contributing to the pond's demise. (Courtesy CLEAN-FLO) By Lea Terhune Staff Writer for America.gov Washington -- Robert L. Laing began his career as an engineer, consulting on electron ballistics and computers in the 1960s. […]
