Four-step program to a better pond

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Radio interview source: Mark Mongin, business manager, Sepro

We have a nice, deep pond that hasn't given us many problems over the years. We pay attention to the watershed and monitor the runoff. It's "elbow clear," which is a good measure of clarity. That means if I stick my arm in it, I can see from my elbow down to my fingers.

But sometimes, even a low-maintenance pond will go wonky on you and turn green, and that's incredibly frustrating. Water management is far from being an absolute science, but staying ahead of the game is the key. Pond expert Mark Mongin says many companies use the three or four things you need for season-long control of weeds and algae and bundling them into one convenient kit that will save you time and headaches.

"They have herbicides and algaecides as well as colorants, dyes, and bacteria enzymes to manage the nutrients as well as mechanical components that would enable you to physically, mechanically, chemically manage the water quality," Mongin says.