Reducing phosphorus and organic sediment in a community lake system
In November 2022, 1,654 lbs of SchlixX Plus was applied across the 2.5-acre lake. The product was mixed with lake water and applied through submerged nozzles to ensure efficient distribution and minimise product loss during application.
Key Facts
- Rödental fish farm:
- SchlixX Plus and PeriDox
- Service:
- Algae bloom, Oxygen depletion
The Challenge
Elevated phosphate levels and accumulated organic sediment threatened the long-term health of the lake.
The lakes at Dobson Ranch in Mesa, Arizona form part of a man-made drainage control network that runs throughout the community.
Over time, nutrient-rich runoff from surrounding lawns and the adjacent golf course introduced elevated phosphorus levels into the system. Combined with ongoing organic matter accumulation, this contributed to increasing maintenance requirements, declining water quality and growing sediment concerns.
Lake #8 was particularly affected. As the final lake in the system, terminating at a spillway that acts as a dam, it became a natural collection point for sediment and nutrient build-up.
The Approach
Following water and sediment analysis, SchlixX Plus was selected to address both sediment accumulation and phosphorus management.
The treatment strategy focused on three key objectives:
Increasing dissolved oxygen levels within the waterbody
Accelerating the biological breakdown of accumulated organic sediment
Preventing phosphorus from being released back into the water column during sediment degradation
1,654 lbs of SchlixX Plus was applied across the 2.5-acre lake. The product was mixed with lake water and applied through submerged nozzles to ensure efficient distribution and minimise product loss during application.
The Results
Monitoring conducted over the following six months demonstrated significant improvements in both sediment depth and nutrient levels.
Key Outcomes
Average sediment reduction of 6 inches
Increase in water volume of 1.25 acre-feet
Greater than 30% reduction in phosphate concentrations
No negative impact observed on overall ecosystem health or water usability
The project demonstrated how a targeted sediment and nutrient management strategy can deliver measurable improvements while supporting the long-term health and function of the waterbody.
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