Gadsden County Extension Column

Test before you treat: the importance of water testing for pond management

Robbie Jones

Water chemistry affects everything in a pond, from how healthy the fish are to how clear the water looks. Treating problems without testing is like taking medicine without knowing what’s making you sick—it might not work, or it could make things worse. Here’s why water testing matters: Find Hidden Problems : Testing can show issues you can’t see, like low oxygen levels, too many nutrients (like phosphorus or nitrogen), or pH problems. These can lead to algae blooms, fish kills, or cloudy water. Avoid Unneeded Chemicals : Not every problem needs chemicals. For example, algae might be growing because of fertilizer runoff from nearby lawns or fields. Fixing the source—like planting buffer plants or using less fertilizer—is a better, long-term solution. Protect Fish and Wildlife : Adding chemicals suddenly can shock the pond, especially if the water’s pH or oxygen levels are off. This can kill fish. Testing first helps make sure treatments are safe. Keep Water Safe for Animals and Plants : If your pond is used for watering animals or crops, bad water can hurt them. Some bacteria, minerals, or toxins like blue-green algae can be dangerous. Save Time and Money : Guessing what’s wrong can lead to buying products that don’t work. Testing helps you find the right fix the first time.

What Should You Test For? Each pond is different, but most tests check:

pH : Tells you if the water is too acidic or basic. This affects fish and how well treatments work.

Alkalinity & Hardness : These help keep pH stable and support healthy plant and algae growth.

Nutrients (Phosphorus and Nitrogen) : Too much of these leads to algae and weed problems.

Dissolved Oxygen : Fish need oxygen. Low levels can kill them.

Bacteria or Contaminants : Important if animals or crops use the water.

How to Test Your Pond Water The Gadsden County Extension Office, in partnership with the Gadsden Soil and Water Conservation District, offer in-office water testing for pond and well owners. The basic test costs $10 and checks:

Alkalinity Hardness pH Phosphorus Ammonia Nitrite

Bring your water in a clean glass or plastic jar. If you need more advanced tests, the office can help send samples to the UF/IFAS Analytical Services Lab . These tests cost more, depending on what you need.

Steps for a good sample : Collect the sample from different spots and depths using a clean container. Contact the Extension Office for exact instructions. Submit your sample to the Extension Office for basic testing, or get forms to send it to the UF lab. Review your results with help from the office. They’ll explain what the numbers mean and what steps to take next.

How Test Results Help Pond Management Once you know what’s in your water, you can make smart decisions. Here are some examples: Too much phosphorus : Cut down on runoff by planting buffer zones, fixing erosion, and using less fertilizer. Low oxygen : Add aerators like fountains or diffusers. Be careful pulling water from the bottom, which may have less oxygen. Low pH (too acidic) : Add lime to balance the water. Too much algae : Instead of using algaecides right away, reduce nutrients first. You can also look into biological options like algae-eating fish. (Check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission before adding fish.) We’re Here to Help The Gadsden County Extension Office offers help for pond owners. We work with specialists in water quality, fish health, and plant management. Our team can give you advice, factsheets, workshops, and one-on-one support. Before using chemicals or making big changes, take time to test your pond’s water. It’s the first step to smart pond care and keeping your pond beautiful and healthy for years to come. Contact us at 850-875-7255 or visit us at 2140 West Jefferson Street, Quincy, FL 32351 to learn more. Remember: Before you treat… test!

Robbie Jones is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent/County Extension Director for UF/IFAS Extension Gadsden County.

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Gadsden County to host 6th Annual Hurricane Preparedness Health and Safety Fair

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