• The Clemson University Plant Diagnostic Clinic can identify species of algae present and offer control recommendations. A sample can be submitted in a capped water bottle to the lab through your local county Clemson Extension Office by following these algae sample submittal instructions. The clinic does not test for the presence of toxins in samples. If concerned, work with a commercial laboratory for assistance . At-home, commercial test kits offer assistance with rapid detection of some types of algae or toxins, though may not be comprehensive enough to detect all potential HABs or toxins.

    Contact pond management companies for help with algae control and management.

    Clemson Extension can provide prevention and control recommendations to pond owners on aquatic plant and algae issues. The article, Pond Weeds: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options, provides an overview of management and prevention options.

  • Limit interaction of humans, pets and livestock with the pond as much as possible.

    Keep pets, livestock, and other animals away from the pond.

    Don’t fish or swim in the pond. As a good practice, stormwater pond owners should always avoid swimming in stormwater ponds and wash their hands after catch and release fishing.

    Avoid spray from any fountains.

    If you live in a community with other homeowners or pond visitors, alert them to the HABs presence and encourage them to avoid interacting with the pond water while there is a bloom.

  • Excess nutrients in ponds will stimulate algae blooms. There are several actions that pond owners can consider to help reduce nutrient runoff, including:
    picking up pet waste,
    obtaining a soil test prior to lawn fertilization,
    reducing leaf and lawn litter into the pond,
    promoting growth of shoreline buffers on pond banks.

    Visit the Clemson Extension Home and Garden Information Center for more information on these practices.

  • In recreational water bodies, health advisories have been set at:
    Cylindrospermopsin - 15 µg/L
    Microcystins - 8 µg/L

  • Information on aquatic plant and algae management can be found at the Clemson Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center.
    Cyanobacteria: Understanding Blue-Green Algae’s Impact On Our Shared Waterways

    Stormwater pond management tools can be found at the Clemson Stormwater Pond Stormwater Pond Management website website.

    A list of pond management companies can be found at SC Department Natural Resources’ website or the Clemson Master Pond Manager website.