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To gain more information on you particular body of water, AES conducts a water quality analysis to determine several key water quality parameters. Based off of these results, AES can then implement specific recommendations in order to improve your water quality.
Water temperature influences almost all other water quality parameters and is often the first data collected during a water quality analysis. Water temperature plays a role in the reproduction of most fish species and determines what fish species are able to survive in a particular pond/lake. Most importantly, temperature influences the amount of oxygen the water can hold.
AES uses an accredited laboratory to determine fecal coliform concentrations. Fecal coliform counts measure the concentration of the bacteria Escherichia coli in water. This bacteria is specific to the guts of birds and mammals, including humans, and is not harmful unless present in high numbers. Fecal coliform can originate from human or animal sources and counts are often higher after rain events. Observed levels are not of a concern unless counts exceed 100 colonies per 100 milliliters of pond/lake water. High levels indicate a sewage leak, animal waste in the watershed or excessively high numbers of waterfowl utilizing the pond/lake (Usually Canada Geese in our region).
Depending on your situation knowing nutrient levels is critical on determining algae growth. Our fishery clients need to know what is the limiting nutrient promoting good phytoplankton growth. While Phosphorus is limiting in most case some times of the year Nitrogen might be limited or the N:P may be skewed to favor cyanobacteria instead of preferred green phytoplankton. For the aesthetic client knowing nutrient levels can help us determine best ways to help control algae and vegetation.
We can determine the algae composition, classification, and biomass. This is again critical to the fishery client to know what species is most prevalent in the lake. If it is determined you have a high abundance of cyanobacteria we suggest you have cyanotoxin analyses performed. This is critical information for the lake owner as with increased toxicity levels you may need to shutdown swimming or other recreational activities before harmful pathogens cause adverse effects.
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2050 Howell Bridge Road
Ball Ground, GA 30107