Clearer Days Ahead for the Duck Pond

Equipment installed yesterday in Croton's Duck Pond should keep its water crystal clear. For years a mechanical aerator has been in the pond, but in the summer of 2009 the water was becoming a bit unsightly. This was due to algae and floating plants that began growing in the pond.

In 2010 the Village bought a second mechanical aerator to go in the water. Even with the second aerator in place, the pond's water was still becoming filled with algae and floating plants. "What happened was, there was so much plant growth and algae, that the screens on the aerators were becoming plugged up. And it was just a huge maintenance item to clean them and keep them running," said Village Engineer Daniel O'Connor.

A committee was formed to deal with the issue. They brought in a consultant to look at the problem. The consultant suggested changing to an aerator that is on the surface of the water, rather than in the water. The consultant also said the Village could switch to a system that pumps air down into the water. That type of system works just like the pump and tube device (with a small ceramic end attached) that is commonly used in home fish tanks.

The Village decided on going with the former option. If you visit the Duck Pond today, you will see a green box that houses compressors for the aeration system. The compressors pump air through hoses down through ceramic plates that break the air up into bubbles. Bubbles can now be seen coming out of the pond in four separate locations.

O'Connor says in the future the Village will add enzymes and natural bacteria cultures to the pond. The enzymes and bacteria will help decompose sediment in the pond, to keep it crystal clear.