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Common Pond Concerns
The primary purpose of many ponds in Champlin is to collect stormwater runoff (rain and snow melt) and reduce the risk of flooding. The City performs inspections of stormwater ponds on about a 5-year cycle to make sure that ponds function as designed. The City does not manage ponds for aesthetic purposes.
Property owners with ponds may choose to enhance ponds for aesthetics or recreation purposes if allowed by City ordinance or State law.
Common Concern #1: Pond is Weedy
What you see as weeds may be part of a normal pond environment. Native aquatic plants are essential to pond health. Plants provide food and shelter for wildlife such as birds and fish. Plants also absorb excess nutrients from the water and prevent shoreline erosion. Knowing what a healthy pond looks like can help adjust your expectations for your pond's appearance.
Sometimes, invasive plants may be a problem. If one plant seems to be taking over your pond, try to identify what it is. Check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guide to invasive aquatic plants. If you want to control aquatic plants in your pond, you first need to check with the City's Environmental Specialist by emailing or calling 763-253-4299 to determine what you're allowed to do.
Common concern #2: Pond is Green
- If tiny green plants are floating on the water's surface, you probably have duckweed. These tiny, native aquatic plants provide food and shelter for wildlife. View more information on duckweed.
- Green blobs or fuzzy strings? You may have filamentous algae. Find more information on filamentous algae.
- If the water itself is green, it's probably microscopic plankton algae. Some algae is normal, but too much algae reduces water clarity, which upsets plant growth and the natural food chain. The best way to reduce algae is to reduce the amount of phosphorus and other nutrients entering your pond. Learn more about algae by visiting the DNR's website.
Common Concern #3: Dead Fish
In early spring, after ice-out, dead fish may be seen along the shoreline. Usually this is a common occurrence after a harsh winter when ice and snow limit the amount of sunlight reaching into the water. With little light, aquatic plants photosynthesize less, producing less oxygen. Low oxygen levels in the water cause some fish to suffocate. A similar situation can happen in summer after an algae bloom and subsequent die-off. Decomposition of the algae uses up oxygen, making less available for fish.
Toxins and disease also kill fish. If you see a large number of dead fish and you don't think it's related to a winter fish kill, report it by emailing or calling 763-253-4299 to get in touch with the City's Environmental Specialist.
Common Concern #4: Smelly Pond
Smells from a pond are usually cause by plant decomposition and will subside over time. An algae bloom and subsequent die-off is often the culprit. The best way to prevent future smelly problems is to prevent algae blooms. This is best done by reducing the amount of phosphorus and other nutrients entering your pond.