Eco-Friendly & Chemical-Free Solutions

McCloud Aquatics | Water Management Jobs in Water Management

We have a myriad of chemical-free and eco-friendly options in our suite of services.

These options can be implemented proactively as part of a lake or pond management plan or as alternatives to other more invasive means of waterbody maintenance. For instance, you may opt for bio-dredging in place of traditional dredging, using beneficial bacteria and enzymes to break down organic matter.

No matter the solution, McCloud Aquatics is committed to ensuring an environmentally conscious management of your waterbody.

Lake and Pond Management Plans | McCloud Aquatics | Lake Management | Pond Management | Depth Mapping | Eco-Friendly | Chemical-Free

Our Methods

Living Shorelines

If you’re struggling to manage erosion on your lake or pond’s shoreline, we’re experts at installing a living shoreline full of native plants. These new additions will serve as a barrier to prevent further erosion to your waterbody and protect your aquatic habitat from pollutants for years to come. We install living shorelines by planting native sedges and grasses because they are hardy and take root in the soil effectively. These plants prevent further erosion, restore your shoreline, and revitalize the habitat for all aquatic wildlife that benefit your waterbody.

Fish stocking has a myriad of benefits, solving problems that may otherwise require chemical intervention. For instance, some species of fish like minnows will actually feast on mosquito larvae, providing a cost-effective, long-term, chemical-free solution for mosquito control. Additionally, we have experience stocking triploid grass carp to manage algae and weed growth in lakes and ponds. These fish can eat up to their body weight in plants each day. When properly stocked, grass carp help control plant growth in your waterbody while still allowing enough weeds to grow to support a healthy fish population.

We also utilize enzymes and beneficial bacteria, like probiotics, to naturally consume organic matter accumulating in your waterbody. This method will be deployed during an initial all-encompassing application period, after which, we will continue to monitor the progress of your sediment over time. If additional maintenance applications are required, we’ll perform that upkeep, too. In cases where bio-dredging can serve as a substitute for traditional dredging, this is a more eco-friendly solution because it’s not at all destructive to the habitats within your waterbody; in fact, these beneficial bacteria are safe for all types of aquatic wildlife, from fish to plants. If sediment accumulation has not been excessive, bio-dredging is an excellent chemical-free, environmentally friendly solution for muck removal.

Lake or pond aeration systems serve as an eco-friendly and chemical-free alternative to herbicides and other harmful solutions, enhancing water clarity and quality. According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, excess phosphorus stimulates algae growth, leading to lowered oxygen levels and sunlight blockage—both of which can be harmful to aquatic wildlife. The oxygenation provided by aeration systems decreases algae because it reduces the phosphorus off of which algae thrives. As a result, improved oxygenation in your lake or pond will have a positive impact on water quality and the ecosystem within your waterbody.

Native plants are an excellent eco-friendly option that will improve water quality without the need for chemicals. In fact, emergent plants can absorb harmful nutrients in your waterbody, like phosphorus, which contributes to detrimental algal blooms. What’s more, they also have the benefit of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your waterbody and providing a food source and a habitat for your aquatic wildlife.

Why Choose Us?

Environmentally conscious solutions

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Fair pricing and detailed recommendations

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Local service with local care

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We are dedicated to preserving our most precious resource by caring for your waterbody safely, legally, and with integrity. We utilize conservationally friendly solutions for lake or pond management whenever possible and remain tirelessly devoted toward pouring our energy and resources into the healthy stewardship of your aquatic ecosystems.

Get to know McCloud Aquatics