Prevent rooted vegetation from growing in the lagoon. This will help reduce problems due to mosquitoes, aquatic animals, and sludge accumulation. A minimum water depth of 2 feet helps prevent rooted plants from growing. Prevent floating plants from growing in the lagoon. Floating plants like water lilies or duckweed block sunlight, preventing algae from thriving.
Algae produce oxygen, which is essential for bacteria to make the lagoon function properly.
If floating plants interfere with algae growth, the lagoon may begin to smell due to lack of oxygen. Floating plants may be physically removed or controlled with herbicides. Always act when plants first appear. Select a herbicide for the specific plants to be controlled that does not harm the algae or the environment. Dead plant material resulting from herbicide control adds organic load to the lagoon, which may cause odor and increase sludge accumulation.