Algae growth is one of the most common and frustrating water quality problems faced by pond owners, councils, farmers, and industrial sites. What often starts as a slight green tint can quickly turn into thick surface mats, foul odours, oxygen depletion, and unhealthy water conditions.
The usual response is to reach for chemical treatments. While these may provide short-term visual improvement, they often come with long-term consequences: harm to aquatic life, recurring blooms, increased maintenance costs, and regulatory concerns.
The good news is that there is a non-toxic, sustainable way to control algae at its source—without damaging the ecosystem.
Why Algae Becomes a Problem
Algae thrives when conditions are right. These conditions commonly include:
- Low dissolved oxygen levels
- Poor water circulation and stagnation
- Excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus
- Thermal stratification, where warm water sits on top and cold, oxygen-poor water settles below
When water bodies lack proper oxygen distribution and circulation, algae gains the advantage. It grows rapidly, blocks sunlight, produces unpleasant smells, and consumes oxygen when it dies off—often leading to fish stress or kills.
Chemical treatments target the algae itself, but they do not fix the underlying causes. This is why algae frequently returns, sometimes worse than before.
The Problem with Chemical Algae Control
Chemical algaecides may seem effective at first, but they often create additional challenges:
- They can harm fish, plants, and beneficial microorganisms
- Dead algae increases organic load and nutrient release, encouraging future blooms
- Repeated dosing is required, increasing long-term costs
- Some chemicals are restricted or unsuitable for environmentally sensitive areas
In short, chemicals treat the symptom, not the system.
A Non-Toxic Approach: Fix the Water, Not Just the Algae
The most effective way to control algae long-term is to restore balance to the water body. This means improving oxygen levels, circulation, and overall water quality so algae can no longer dominate.
IGS Water specialises in non-chemical water treatment solutions that address the root causes of algae growth.
How IGS Water Systems Control Algae Naturally
1. Increased Dissolved Oxygen
Low oxygen levels favour algae and harmful bacteria. IGS Water systems significantly increase dissolved oxygen throughout the water column, creating conditions that support beneficial aerobic bacteria instead.
These bacteria naturally break down organic matter and nutrients that algae feeds on.
2. Elimination of Stratification
Many ponds and reservoirs suffer from thermal stratification, where bottom layers become stagnant and oxygen-depleted. This creates ideal conditions for nutrient release from sediments.
IGS Water’s pond aeration and destratification systems continuously circulate water, preventing stratification and reducing internal nutrient loading.
3. Improved Water Circulation
Stagnant water allows algae to settle and multiply. By gently moving and mixing water, IGS Water systems disrupt algae growth while maintaining a stable and healthy ecosystem.
4. Support for Natural Biological Processes
Rather than killing algae, IGS Water solutions support the natural processes that keep water clean. Beneficial microorganisms thrive, organic sludge is reduced, odours decrease, and water clarity improves over time.
Where This Approach Works Best
IGS Water’s non-toxic algae control solutions are used across a wide range of applications, including:
- Ponds and lakes
- Stormwater retention basins
- Golf courses and parks
- Aquaculture systems
- Agricultural water storage
- Industrial and wastewater lagoons
- Decorative and recreational water features
Because no chemicals are used, these systems are safe for fish, plants, people, and the surrounding environment.
Long-Term Results Without Ongoing Chemical Use
Clients who switch to non-toxic algae control often notice gradual but lasting improvements:
- Reduced algae blooms
- Clearer water
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Improved aquatic life health
- No chemical handling or compliance issues
Most importantly, the water body becomes more resilient, making future algae outbreaks far less likely.
Fight Algae the Smarter Way
If algae keeps coming back no matter how much chemical treatment is applied, it is a sign that the water system itself needs attention.
By improving oxygen distribution, circulation, and biological balance, IGS Water helps restore water bodies naturally—without toxic inputs and without ongoing chemical dependence.
If you are looking for a long-term, environmentally responsible solution to algae problems, IGS Water can help.
