Can I dye my lake water?

Using dyes in lake waters can be an effective way of reducing problematic algae bloom as the dyes will block the red part of the UV spectrum and essentially shade the water.  Specific dyes can be used in lake water and contain harmless industrial food colouring which will not harm fish.  Lake dyes are easy to apply and are available in grey/black and also blue variations.  The dye will eventually dissipate over time but can be easily topped up.

Lake dyes are supplied in either liquid form or supplied in special water soluble sachets which can be simply thrown into various positions in the lake to distribute evenly.  The use of a rowing boat, outboard motor or an aerator/fountain will speed up the distribution of the dye but this will mix eventually even in stagnant waters.  With regards to colouration of the water, the more dye added, the darker the shading.  It is therefore worth gradually increasing the dye dosage to obtain the grey or blue effect required.

It’s worth noting that lake dyes, whilst effective, will not resolve the fundamental issue which relates to nutrient build-up;  essentially the food source for algal growth, duckweed and other organic issues.  The longer term resolution is to manage the water quality using Aerators (to increase circulation and oxygen content) and add beneficial aerobic bacteria if needed to help break down the organic waste naturally.

View Lake Dyes here.

View Lake Aerators here.

View ByoFix Lake Bacteria here.