Have you noticed your once clear, fresh water looking slightly different these days? Unfortunately, this is a very common problem that many dam or lake owners find every now and then. And at some point, this will no doubt happen to each one. But, there is a difference between muddy and cloudy water.
Muddy and cloudy water are different situations caused by different factors. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can take the right steps to overcome it and achieve clear, healthy looking water again.
In this blog, we’re looking at the differences between cloudy and muddy water, and what you can do to treat each case.
Muddy vs Cloudy Water: What’s the Difference?
Muddy and cloudy water actually come from different sources, even though they look similar. And therefore, there needs to be different measures put in place to overcome and prevent the issue.
So, what is the difference?
- Muddy water is caused by tiny particles like clay, silt, or soil floating around and not settling.
- Cloudy water is usually caused by organic material, such as algae blooms, rotting plants, or too many nutrients.
We’ll break down what causes each type so you can better understand how to deal with it in the next sections.
What Causes Muddy Water?
Muddy water usually comes from erosion or things stirring up the bottom.
Other common causes include:
- Soil erosion caused from heavy rainfall or flooding
- Vegetation loss on the shore line leads to erosion washing into the water
- Run-off from construction sites, fields, or unpaved roads
- Bottom-feeding fish such as carp stirring up sediment
- Livestock entering the water, especially cattle or sheep
- Wind and wave action in shallow water
The tiny particles that cause muddy water are so light they stay floating instead of sinking. They often carry a slight electrical charge too, which helps keep them suspended even longer.
How to Clear Muddy Water: Use a Flocculant
Something called a flocculant will come in handy if you’re dealing with muddy water. Flocculants are compounds that cause suspended particles to clump together (or “floc”), making them heavy enough to sink to the bottom.
How Flocculants Work:
- Neutralise the electrical charges on suspended particles
- Bind the particles into larger clusters
- Allow them to settle naturally, or be removed via filtration
We recommend WaterTreats Clearwater Flocculant, available in 1L, 10L, and 20L containers. The 1L size is perfect for testing before committing to a larger treatment.
Important Note:
Flocculants can work incredibly well, but they’re not necessarily going to work in all instances. How well floccing occurs is reliant on a number of variables such as water chemistry, temperature, and type of particles.
Not sure if flocculant is right for your dam?
If you’d like some more information or some free advice about whether floccing is the right choice for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Or, if you’d like to read up on the subject, read our in-depth guide: How to Clear Muddy Water.
What Causes Cloudy Water?
So what makes cloudy water different? This kind of water water is caused by organic material suspended in the water, unlike muddy water.
This could be:
- Algae blooms driven by high levels of nitrogen or phosphorus
- Bacterial blooms, especially in stagnant or low-oxygen conditions
- Excess decomposing plants or organic debris
- Livestock waste or decaying aquatic animals
- Thermal layering (stratification), which reduces oxygen near the bottom and encourages anaerobic conditions where “bad” bacteria go gang-busters
Organic particles bend and scatter light in a different way than clay or silt, which is why cloudy water can look milky, green, or even tea-coloured.
Treating Cloudy Water: Start with Aeration and Probiotics
If your water’s cloudy because of organic matter, like algae or rotting plants, the most effective approach is a natural one. It’s best to restore balance with oxygen and “good” bacteria.
Here’s how:
Aeration
Getting more oxygen into the water helps “good” aerobic bacteria thrive and keeps algae and other problem organisms in check.
Here’s what aeration can do:
- Boosts oxygen levels throughout the waterbody
- Breaks up temperature layers that cause low-oxygen “dead zones”
- Helps organic debris break down faster
- Lowers the chances of fish deaths and bad smells (caused by “bad” anerobic bacteria)
For shallow water, surface aerators work well. For deeper dams and lakes, a sub-surface diffuser system is usually best.
Biostim Probiotics
Biostim is a probiotic water treatment that introduces or stimulates “good” bacteria, helping them outcompete algae and other organic pollutants. We have years of experience, and confidently stand by this product and the benefits it brings.
Biostim probiotics help to:
- Consume and break down nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus
- Reduce organic sludge on the bottom of the dam
- Improve water clarity and odour naturally
- Restore balance without the need for harsh chemicals
Biostim is also completely natural and safe for livestock, fish, wildlife, as well as humans. So don’t worry if you add too much by accident. For best results, apply regularly, especially in warmer months when biological activity (and cloudiness) tends to spike.
Keeping Your Water Clear for the Long Run
The best way to deal with murky water is to stop it from happening in the first place and tackle the deeper part of the problem. Whether your dam is already clear or you’re working to improve it, these simple habits can help you maintain clarity over time:
- Plant vegetation around the edges to stop erosion and filter runoff
- Keep livestock out of the water to protect the banks and reduce mess
- Be mindful with fertilisers and manage where stormwater flows
- Use aeration to keep water moving and oxygen levels up
- Add Biostim regularly to support good bacteria and prevent imbalances
Expert Help
If you’re still not too sure or you’d like to speak to us directly, get in touch today and we can advise you on the best course of action. We offer free, no-obligation advice and water treatment plans.