Algae Growth and Pond Excavation

A number of days in a row of cold weather is exactly what the contractors that are completing our pond renovation wanted. The cold weather helped to freeze the ground and allow them to get their heavy equipment in and out of the ponds. They have made significant progress on the pond on 11, completing the culvert extension and continuing on the excavation. This pond was an average of 1.5m (5 feet) deep and following the excavation will be 4.5m (15 feet) deep. This not only allows us to store more water but it allows us to use a better quality of water on the golf course.

Water quality is directly related to the health of the golf course turf. Water quality influences a broad range of factors in the growth of healthy turf, ranging from exposure to nutrients and toxins to soil properties. Generally, when ponds are not deep enough (<1.5m) sunlight can penetrate to the bottom and these ponds are at greater risk of algal blooms and higher water temperatures. Pumping irrigation water with high algae populations through irrigation systems can cause issues with clogged filters and even damaged pumps. The algae is also distributed over the areas of the golf course that are irrigated and can contribute to the growth of algae in those areas. Algae is generally very competitive and can sometimes out-compete a grass species for the nutrients it requires. Deeper ponds often discourage algal blooms and can prevent issues associated with the algae.

Questions concerning any of the information here can be directed to the EPGCC Maintenance Department through our Twitter account, our Facebook page, or contact us directly at the shop.