Ponds should be checked for chloride levels several times each year. It is very important to enter the fall with at least 60 ppm chlorides. Monitor chloride levels monthly through the winter and spring to maintain 60 ppm. Make sure to check chloride levels after periods of heavy rain, as rain water will lower chloride levels. First, the producer could lose his entire investment directly through nitrite induced suffocation.
Some producers have the good fortune of having salty well water.
It is common for producers in some locations in southeast and southwest Arkansas to have chloride levels greater than 300 ppm. Adding 4.5 lbs of salt to 1 acre-foot of water increases the chloride level 1 ppm. The first step is to measure the chloride level in the existing pond or water source. This can be done by using an inexpensive simple water quality kit or test strip. The next step is to calculate how much salt is necessary to bring the chloride level to 60 ppm or higher.