in dams, lakes and lagoons
how it works
Water aeration simply means adding oxygen to water.
Aeration in dams, ponds and lakes works by increasing the oxygen levels in the water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. This process involves introducing air—either diffusers placed at the bottom of the water body or through surface aerators—that agitate and circulate the water, encouraging gas exchange with the atmosphere. As oxygen is infused throughout the water column, it helps support fish and "good" [aerobic, oxygen-loving] bacteria while reducing harmful gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfides.
Higher oxygen levels support the growth of "good" bacteria, which play a key role in consuming excess nutrients—like nitrogen and phosphorus—that would otherwise fuel the growth of algae and invasive aquatic weeds. These bacteria also help break down organic sludge that accumulates on the bottom, further reducing the nutrient load in the water.
As a result, aeration not only improves water clarity and fish health but also leads to a natural reduction in algae, weeds, sludge and odour.
More oxygen = More "good" microbes
At the bottom of any aquatic food pyramid are microscopic bacteria, the clean-up crew. These little guys can be “good” aerobic (oxygen-loving) or “bad” anaerobic (oxygen-hating). We call aerobic bacteria the “good” guys because they clean water faster and don’t lead to nasty smells common with “bad” bacteria.
More "good" microbes = Fewer nutrients
Greater populations of “good” microbes in your water means more organisms are competing for nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. "Good" microbes also feed on organic matter in the water such as sludge. This sludge would otherwise break down, adding more nutrients to the water. So reducing sludge reduces how much new nutrients are entering the water.
Fewer nutrients = Fewer pests
With fewer nutrients in the water, there is less food available for pests like algae and aquatic weeds, and so they begin to starve to death. Reducing nutrient levels in the water also prevents new species of algae and weeds from emerging. So you're working on preventing future blooms too.
The result
The result is better water quality all-round, from the dam floor to the surface of your water.
- Less algae and aquatic weeds
- Reduce sludge
- Eradicate odours
- Clear water of organic murkiness
aerators 101
How do aerators add oxygen to water?
Aerators add oxygen to water by pumping air or water into the waterbody, either at the surface or the floor. This circulates the water, encouraging oxygenated top-waters to sink to the bottom and deoxygenated bottom-waters to rise to the surface. Here at the surface, aeration takes place through gas exchange between the air and the water, whereby oxygen enters the water and “bad” gases (e.g. methane, hydrogen sulphides) exit the water.
surface
Surface aeration
Surface aerators sit on the surface of the water and use a propeller to pump water up into the air. This allows for gas exchange between the water and the air where oxygen enters the water before it returns to the waterbody. When the water cools, it gets heavier and sinks, producing a circulating system.
sub-surface
Sub-Surface aeration
Sub-surface aerators involve using air-stations (often multiple) set up on the floor of your dam. These systems pump out air which becomes bubbles. These bubbles rise to the surface, getting larger and larger as they climb. This drags less-oxygenated bottom-waters to the surface where oxygen can enter the water.
3-Month Trial: Aeration Improves Water in 6 Acre Lake
