Cleaning reservoirs: methods, methods and basic rules

Geological survey of the territory

When preparing a design for reservoirs, the AQUAGARDEN company carries out engineering and hydrographic surveys, which allows us to obtain the necessary information for drawing up topographic plans and diagrams of a water body. A full range of hydrographic works is necessary for design documentation for the construction, bottom strengthening and bank protection of reservoirs.

The creation of artificial reservoirs also requires an engineering-geological survey of the territory to take soil samples, determine the relief features and groundwater levels. All surveys are carried out by us using modern equipment and special equipment. Based on the subsequent analysis of the engineering-geological and hydrogeological conditions of the site, the design of the reservoir is carried out.

Design of reservoirs and ponds

One of the most important stages in the design of reservoirs and ponds is the functional and price analysis of construction. Our company’s specialists determine the main purpose of the reservoirs, draw up a complete list of necessary construction work and a detailed estimate. The functional purpose of reservoirs is determined not only by the range of construction work and the choice of materials, but also by the methods of landscaping and decorating the reservoir, as well as the surrounding area. Functional and price analysis is also necessary when reconstructing water bodies.

Construction of lakes, ponds and streams

The main profile of the AQUAGARDEN company is the construction of ponds, reservoirs, lakes, streams and other water bodies on a turnkey basis. We are engaged in the construction of decorative country ponds and carry out large-scale orders for the construction of large-area reservoirs. The presence of modern equipment and our own fleet of special equipment allows us to carry out the entire range of work in the shortest possible time. An additional guarantee of their strict implementation in accordance with the project and compliance with the agreements reached is design and technical supervision.

The AQUAGARDEN company carries out orders for the construction of reservoirs for any purpose, including for fish breeding. We cooperate not only with private clients, but also with fisheries and representatives of cottage villages. In addition to the main work of digging a pit and waterproofing, a whole staff of our specialists is engaged in the design of the reservoir and the surrounding area. We can create floating islands and underwater caves, carry out landscaping and erect wooden structures on site. Our specialists also plant plants in the pond and clear the pond of excess vegetation and silt.

Pond cleaning with OASE equipment

To clean the reservoir, our specialists use the OASE line of German-made products. OASE is a wide range of water body care products that help not only get rid of the problem, but also prevent its occurrence in the future.

A distinctive feature of this brand is its safety for people, animals and fish inhabiting the reservoir, and cultivated aquatic plants. The line of products developed for the maintenance of artificial reservoirs includes compositions that allow:

• Maintain optimal biological balance of the pond;
• Clarify the water, restoring its transparency;
• Saturate the water with oxygen;
• Launch filtration systems;
• Get rid of thread algae and duckweed;
• Prevent siltation of the bottom.

And other comprehensive means that allow you to maintain the reservoir, its flora and fauna in the best possible way. If you have any problems related to your summer cottage pond, stocked pond or any other body of water, call us! Our consultants will help you choose the best medications for independent use. Or a team of our specialists will come to you and clean the pond.

Construction of floating islands, underwater caves and grottoes

Projects of artificial reservoirs developed by the AQUAGARDEN company may also include the construction of floating islands. Depending on the area of ​​the reservoir, the sizes of these unique elements of the water landscape and their number vary.

Small floating modules with vegetation serve mainly a decorative function. They can move freely along the surface of reservoirs or be secured to the bottom with a chain that will limit their movements. The construction of floating islands also has a practical purpose, since they serve as a kind of biofilter. Thanks to the root system, the island purifies the water from nitrates, serves as food for fish and shelter for fry, and also shades the pond, preventing it from blooming.

The construction of underwater caves and grottoes is another interesting offer from our company. This is a rather difficult task, the implementation of which requires certain conditions, and first of all, a large depth of the reservoir. Underwater caves and grottoes are ideal for fish ponds, especially for those species that need shelter to thrive.

Cleaning the water surface with a skimmer

A skimmer is a very convenient and easy-to-maintain device that collects all debris from the surface of the water. You just need to install the device in the required location, start it up and periodically empty the basket, which will collect all the pollutants. Depending on the model, the following types of skimmers are distinguished:

• With built-in pump – SK 30, SK 40, Skimmer 250;
• Without pump – SK 50, StendSkimmer;
• With water aeration function - SwimSkim CWS, CSP-250A;
• Stationary - SK 50, StendSkimmer, Profiskim 100;
• Floating - SK 30, SK 40, SwimSkim CWS, CSP-250A;
• Coastal – Skimmer 23, Pro Skimmer 23, Pro Skimmer 35, Biosis Skimmer+.

The skimmer is selected depending on the size of the pond. As a rule, coastal water surface purifiers are chosen for large bodies of water, as they have greater productivity. The devices can be used either separately or as part of a general pond purification system. You can read more about the operation of skimmers in the article “Pond skimmer - water surface cleaner.”

Rehabilitation of disturbed and wetlands

AQUAGARDEN's services include the installation of drainage and drainage systems, as well as the complete restoration of disturbed and wetlands. This is a fairly pressing problem, especially in some regions where waterlogging in areas is the result of a number of factors. These are excessive rainfall and shallow groundwater, soil structure and type of soil, terrain and surface slopes. Wetlands can occupy a fairly large area and not be used for their intended purpose.

Restoration of wetlands carried out by the AQUAGARDEN company makes it possible to normalize the natural balance and subsequently use these areas for construction or agriculture. Rehabilitation of wetlands may be part of an overall program for restoring the hydrology of the territory (the hydrological function of the landscape). Violation of the natural hydrological regime has a negative impact on the general condition of the landscape and soil structure, on flora, fauna and, in general, on the natural ecosystem of the area.

Cleaning a country pond using biological products

Biological products are special compositions based on bacteria that help restore biobalance and maintain the cleanliness of the pond. Features of biological products:

• Environmentally friendly, do not contain chemicals;
• Effective - significantly improves the quality of water in the reservoir;
• Safe for plants, fish, animals and humans;
• Create a healthy environment for all pond inhabitants;
• They have a long validity period - several months;
• Easy to use.

Our online store offers biological products from the brands Biobird, Microbe-Lift and Planet Aquafair.

Each type of biological product has its own purpose: combating algae, removing harmful substances, bottom sediments, saturating water with oxygen, restoring the microflora of the aquatic environment, improving fish health, protecting water equipment (pumps, filters) from destruction, and so on. Moreover, one drug can combat several problems at once. For example, the Biobird “Algenkiller” biological product destroys filamentous, floating, slimy and other types of harmful algae, clarifies the water, and maintains biobalance in the reservoir. Some formulations are recommended to be used together.

Below is a table of the properties of biological products that will help you choose products for your pond.

Before using any biological product, you should carefully study the instructions, since it is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage, which depends on the volume of the pond, the season and the degree of pollution of the reservoir. Biological products help maintain the ecological balance of a reservoir in hot summers or cold winters, providing comfortable conditions for plants and fish.

You can read more about the action of biological products in our articles in the section “Cleaning a pond using bacteria and flocculants.”

Construction of engineering systems of water bodies

The range of work performed by the AQUAGARDEN company includes the construction of engineering systems of water bodies, dams, dams, spillways and other hydraulic structures. We select an individual set of engineering systems depending on the geometric parameters, functional purpose and operating conditions of each reservoir. The main list of engineering equipment includes filtration, purification and aeration systems, pumps for fountains and cascades, lighting elements and drainage systems.

The construction of dams and dams helps protect the reservoir from excessive filling with water during rainfall or floods, and also simplifies drainage for fishing. Dams protect the pond from melt and sediment water, and dams built along the entire perimeter of the reservoir control the water level. During the construction of dams, spillway and water outlet structures are installed. Spillways are systems for draining excess water in an open way through channels, and spillways are designed in the form of closed pipes. You can order us the construction of other hydraulic structures for artificial reservoirs of any size and purpose.

Reasons for poor water quality

Any body of water is a closed system; various by-products and dissolved organic substances accumulate in it. They are formed from soil, dying parts of plants, fish food and other organic matter. In a healthy reservoir, a natural biobalance is established, but excessive accumulation of organic matter causes a decrease in the level of oxygen dissolved in the water. With a lack of oxygen, biochemical processes in water begin to proceed ineffectively, the biobalance is disturbed, and the reservoir begins to look unattractive.

To solve typical problems of large water bodies with standing water, it is necessary, on the one hand, to saturate and enrich the water with oxygen, and on the other, to ensure a reduction in chemical and biochemical oxygen consumption. Aeration solves the first problem, the use of bacterial preparations solves the second.

Reconstruction of natural and artificial reservoirs

The need for reconstruction of natural and artificial reservoirs arises for a number of reasons. This may be a deterioration in the appearance of the pond, destruction of the banks and the growth of marsh vegetation. As part of the reconstruction of reservoirs, it is often necessary to replace the waterproofing layer, install new equipment, dredge and shore protection. A larger task is the reconstruction of the reservoir in connection with a change in its main purpose. If the area of ​​the plot allows, then a decorative country pond can be equipped as a pond for swimming or fish breeding.

The AQUAGARDEN company carries out a major reconstruction of reservoirs with restoration of their shape and coastline. At the initial stage, we conduct a situational analysis of the water body and assess its real condition. Based on the data obtained, our specialists develop a project and determine the range of work required for the reconstruction of the reservoir. If the pond quickly becomes polluted and overgrown, then it will be necessary to install filtration equipment and treat the coastal zone with compounds that prevent the active growth of reeds, reeds, etc. When reconstructing a reservoir for stocking, it is first necessary to ensure normal conditions for the life of aquatic inhabitants.

Methods for cleaning the lake

The variety of pollutants in artificial and natural reservoirs also implies a variety of ways in which the lake is cleaned of debris. Today, government and commercial agencies use the following methods to clean lakes and fresh water:

• Mechanical. Cleaning a lake using a dredger allows you to clear the reservoir of excess plants and algae, waste of aquatic life, silt and garbage thrown out by humans.
• Chemical. Water purification is carried out by using reagents, which makes it possible to return the chemical composition of water to normal levels.
• Biological. This cleaning is carried out by normalizing the amount of nutrients in the reservoir.
• UV. The number of bacteria, unicellular algae and other microorganisms contained in the water is brought to normal levels using installations that generate ultraviolet radiation.

Our company practices mechanical cleaning, that is, cleaning the bottom of the lake with a dredge.

Preparing the area for construction and farming

The AQUAGARDEN company is engaged in preparing the territory for construction and agriculture, performing work on water reduction and installation of drainage, drainage and drainage systems. Groundwater located close to the surface and swampy areas significantly complicate their use for construction, agriculture and other purposes. Lowering the groundwater level can be achieved by installing drainage systems of various types and configurations (open and closed). We are also engaged in the restoration of disturbed and wetlands, installing water collection and drainage systems.

Removal of silt deposits and cleaning of reservoirs

Regular cleaning of reservoirs and rivers from bottom sediments is a primary condition for maintaining water balance and preventing water pollution. The removal of silt deposits should be carried out by specialists who have the appropriate equipment and a full arsenal of special tools. Cleaning reservoirs and rivers from bottom sediments can be carried out, for example, by a chemical method, the essence of which is the use of drugs that cause the decomposition of sludge.

Mechanized and hydromechanical methods for removing silt deposits are considered more effective. In the first case, excavators, bulldozers and other special equipment are used to clean reservoirs and rivers, and in the second, soil pumps are used, mounted on dredgers or excavators and sucking out sludge from the bottom. Removal of bottom sediments is possible both with and without draining water. When cleaning a pond, we remove the rooted and floating plant-turf layer. Floating biomass, which is also removed mechanically, also contributes to severe water pollution and the spread of bacteria.

In addition to cleaning reservoirs, AQUAGARDEN's services include clearing and forming the shoreline and deepening ponds for various purposes. The formation of the coastal edge allows you to strengthen or change the configuration of the coastline. This work is performed when the banks are destroyed or the parameters of the reservoir change. In particular, this may be required when expanding the boundaries or deepening ponds.

A natural reservoir is a biologically balanced ecological system configured for self-purification and self-healing. This natural state of the biological balance of a closed or low-flow reservoir such as a pond, lake, reservoir can be disturbed both as a result of the natural aging of the reservoir, the accumulation of natural organic matter of bottom silt in the reservoir: leaves, branches, excrement of fish and waterfowl, dead aquatic plants, and as a result of pollution of the reservoir with organic substances and nutrients (biogenic) elements from external sources, including domestic, agricultural, industrial: garbage, storm water, sediment from fields and roads, poorly treated industrial wastewater, sewage, leachate, manure, fertilizers deliver organic matter, nutrients and potentially dangerous microorganisms to the reservoir. Once in a reservoir, organic substances are partially dissolved in water and partially sink to the bottom of the reservoir, where they form organic biomass and bottom sediments, which are subject to continuous decomposition by putrefactive bacteria and fungi. The rotting of organic substances and bottom sediments causes depletion of water in dissolved oxygen, and is accompanied by the release of decay products into the water - the nutritional (biogenic) elements nitrogen and phosphorus. The increased content and excess of nutrients causes intensive mass growth of algae and phytoplankton, including what is known as the “bloom” of a reservoir. An excess of organic substances and nutrients in a reservoir first leads to a shift in the biological balance and self-purification processes of the reservoir, and later to a change in the type of ecosystem of a pond, lake, reservoir, and ultimately to swamping. Signs of pollution can be a high level of bottom silt sediment, often increased turbidity of water especially in the warm season, a film on the surface of the water mirror, sometimes an unpleasant odor, active gas formation in bottom sediments, periodic fish kills (night, summer, winter), intense the proliferation of algae and phytoplankton: higher algae, blue-green algae, mud, duckweed, can also signal disturbances in the reservoir. Outbreaks of blue-green algae (“blooming” in a reservoir) can, in certain cases, alternate with fish kills at night or with the massive death of blue-green algae. The dying mass of blue-green algae also takes vital oxygen from the water and releases nutrients. Pollution of a reservoir from external sources negatively affects the biological balance of the aquatic ecosystem and the proper functioning of self-purification. Number of beneficial microorganisms in 1 ml. contaminated water is reduced, their species composition changes and is depleted, at the same time, potentially dangerous microorganisms that function at +30-37 C actively develop in dirty water, thus microbial and other types of self-purification are suppressed by pollution. To save and restore a reservoir, it is necessary to reduce the external and internal nutrient and organic load on the reservoir, which helps restore biological balance and self-purification processes. This requires purification of water and bottom sediments of a reservoir from organic and biogenic pollution, removal of organic matter from bottom sediments, improvement of the oxygen regime, restoration of metabolic mechanisms and self-purification of the reservoir. Work to clean and restore the reservoir must be carried out together with measures to reduce or completely eliminate the impact of external sources polluting the reservoir.

Removing reeds and reeds

Removing reeds and reeds is included in the main list of works for caring for a pond. These plants contribute to waterlogging and worsen the biobalance, so care must be taken to remove them in a timely manner. Regular mowing of reeds is not only labor-intensive, but also ineffective, since it grows very quickly. The difficulty lies in the fact that the roots are under a layer of silt, so the bottom will need to be cleaned. To remove reeds and reeds, you need special equipment - in particular, dredgers, with which you can get rid of thickets and clean the bottom.

The AQUAGARDEN company provides professional care services for artificial reservoirs on site. In addition to removing reeds and reeds mechanically, our specialists treat the bottom of the reservoir and the coastline with special means that prevent their active growth. Thickets of reeds often occupy the coastline due to wet soil, so only such comprehensive measures will help save pond owners from the uncontrolled growth and spread of these plants.

Bank protection

Bank protection is a primary condition necessary to restore the shape of the reservoir and the coastline. In case of minor damage to the coastal zone, you can limit yourself to strengthening it using plants, trees and natural stones. However, AQUAGARDEN specialists recommend performing capital bank protection in any case to prevent further soil sliding.

For small bodies of water, a method such as bank protection with larch is often used - wooden piles of the same diameter, installed in the form of a palisade. By analogy, bank reinforcement is carried out using PVC sheet piles: the piles are immersed in the ground and lined up into a wall. Both of these methods are excellent for strengthening steep banks. Bank protection with stones is advisable for local destruction or for long, flat banks. For these purposes, you will need a base made of metal mesh so that the stones do not sink into the ground.

One of the effective and at the same time universal methods is to strengthen the coastal edge with gabions, which is often practiced in case of difficult access for special equipment. Gabions are metal mesh boxes filled with natural stones. Strengthening the shore with gabions is suitable for both large reservoirs and country ponds. Bank protection with geogrids and geomats is also widely practiced. Geogrids have a cellular structure filled with plant soil or stones, and are used mainly for flat banks. Strengthening steeper, as well as weakened and swampy slopes is carried out using geomats that have a voluminous chaotic structure.

Improvement of reservoirs and surrounding areas

The completion of the construction of a reservoir on the site is not the final stage of all work, as it might seem at first glance. After this, the AQUAGARDEN company begins to improve both the reservoir itself and the coastal zone. This is a whole range of work involving a team of specialists in various fields - from florists to craftsmen in the manufacture of wooden structures.

We carry out the artistic design of reservoirs and surrounding areas in full accordance with the developed design project. The size, shape and style of the pond, the area and configuration of the coastal zone, the possibilities of landscaping, the installation of small architectural forms and the construction of bridges are taken into account. When space is limited, landscaping or laying turf can be done, especially if slopes and hills need to be reinforced or formed. The large coastal area provides the opportunity for the construction of sand and grass beaches.

Landscaping includes not only landscaping, but also the installation of small architectural forms. These can be gazebos, benches, pergolas, sculptures, decorative fences and bridges. We can build wooden structures in the same style or add variety to the landscaping. Suspension and support bridges over streams and garden ponds are very popular. For large bodies of water, our company constructs quay walls and berths themselves for small vessels.

Planting aquatic vegetation in reservoirs

Many summer residents mistakenly believe that planting aquatic vegetation in reservoirs can be done independently. In reality, it is necessary to wisely select plants for a particular body of water and follow all the rules for planting them. Some species, for example, are not recommended for planting in small ponds or next to other vegetation. Based on this, initially planting plants in a reservoir should be entrusted to specialists, and in the future, after receiving consultations, you can add variety to the picture of the water landscape on your own.

For the normal growth of plants, and even more so for the life of fish, it is necessary to organize biological water purification. AQUAGARDEN specialists will select and install equipment for aeration, circulation and filtration systems to maintain optimal balance and purity of water. Methods for organizing biological treatment depend not only on the area, depth and functional purpose of the reservoir, but also on the types of vegetation and aquatic inhabitants. We install equipment and maintain it, and also provide services for cleaning ponds from reeds, reeds, sedges and other types of plants that worsen the appearance of a country pond.

Biological method of cleaning a pond or reservoir

Biological products for cleaning water bodies

Biological purification of ponds and reservoirs is based on the biochemical decomposition of organic matter (carbohydrates, proteins, fats). Decomposition is carried out by living bacteria and causes absolutely no harm to the environment. For cleaning, as a rule, ready-made solutions are poured or poured into the water of a reservoir, but for proper operation it is necessary to calculate the required dosage.

Biological additives, in addition to purifying water from small algae, promote the growth of fish living in a reservoir, as they saturate the water with oxygen and promote the digestion and assimilation of food.

Creation of reservoirs for fish farming

The creation of artificial and restoration of natural reservoirs for fish farming is one of the popular and promising areas of activity of the AQUAGARDEN company. The construction of fish ponds can be carried out even on personal plots, but we are also working on the implementation of large-scale projects for the construction of fishing bases.

Reservoirs for fish farming are subject to special requirements, and first of all - a well-thought-out configuration of the bowl, ensuring aeration and filtration of water, maintaining biobalance and creating other favorable conditions. Unlike ordinary decorative ponds, in fish ponds it is necessary to provide drainage and drainage channels, as well as install a full set of equipment. Our company employs specialists in stocking reservoirs with fish for breeding both ornamental and commercial fish.

Why do we need to clean up water bodies?

There are several reasons why it is recommended to clean water bodies from time to time. Firstly, garbage and silt that accumulate in ponds and lakes decompose over time, which leads to the following consequences:

• decrease in oxygen level in the water mass;
• active growth of unicellular algae;
• cloudiness and blooming of water.

Secondly, due to pollution, ultraviolet rays practically do not penetrate into the water column. The result is maximum waterlogging.

And thirdly, cleansing helps restore the object’s aesthetic appearance. Especially if after the procedure you also strengthen the banks in order to reduce its further pollution from erosion. Agree, this is no less important, because a cluttered lake is not the most pleasant sight. Read about other benefits of strengthening work in the article “Strengthening the banks.”

Author's and technical control

During the construction of reservoirs of any size and purpose, the AQUAGARDEN company carries out design and technical control. Architectural supervision includes control by the reservoir designer over the implementation of all work in strict accordance with the developed diagrams and sketches. In the process of author's control, it is often necessary to advise builders and other specialists working on site on the implementation of design project ideas.

Technical supervision is aimed directly at monitoring the quality of construction, installation, waterproofing and other types of work, as well as monitoring the use of materials and equipment in accordance with engineering solutions. Carrying out architectural and technical supervision allows us to guarantee that all work - from construction to design - is carried out in full accordance with the design of the reservoir and the surrounding area.