As drought conditions in the UK spread further north it seems likely that water restrictions will become even more tighter. Some predict that hosepipe bans will stay in play right up until Christmas.
If you are a gardener it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. Mulching around plants and saving washing up water (be careful with what you put into your washing up bowl. Many products such as washing up liquid contain salt or other potentially harmful chemicals).
But what about the estimated plus three million fish pond owners?
Advice varies from area to area so you need to check with your local water authority but in essence, where you have fish, it is not breaking the hosepipe ban to top up a garden pond.
Blagdon have issued ten tips to help fish owners during the ban:
- Firstly carry out an essential spring clean to remove organic waste to leave your pond sparkling. Debris such as dead leaves and any sludge from the bottom of the pond causes the water to become dirty and disrupts the balance of the pond. Certain equipment such as water-vacuum cleaners will enable debris to be removed efficiently whilst recycling the water back into the pond rather than wasting it.
- Secondly don’t forget to service your pond filter: by thoroughly cleaning all of the media, a pond will be instantly cleaner. Ensure that old pond water is utilised to clean the filter to ensure essential bacteria is not damaged. Products are available that can help to kick-start the essential bacteria cycles in the pond to keep the water healthy.
- By creating shade over a pond via a temporary canopy or garden parasol evaporation and algae growth will be reduced, keeping water cleaner for longer.
- Oxygenate your pond using a air-pump; this is particularly important in hot weather when pond oxygen levels are low.
- Carry out any pond maintenance in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower as this reduces evaporation.
- It is important to naturally reduce organic waste without using precious oxygen – bacteria and enzyme culture products are available which will reduce the need for filter and pond cleaning, thus further preserving water.
- Rain water from water butts can be used to top-up ponds but it is important to remember that it is often acidic: a pH adjuster should be used for acid ponds.
- Keep ponds free from unsightly, deoxygenating green water and blanket weed algae – innovative products such as a UVC clarifier can help with this.
- Maintain fish health by feeding sparingly- don’t kill them with kindness.
- Use a pond cover net to protect fish from predators such as herons which may be forced to fish in garden ponds as the drought effects their natural habitat.
Lucy Bearman, Blagdon Brand Manager says: "The current drought situation concerns us greatly. Our passion for responsible fish-keeping as well as the health and welfare of a ponds’ flora and fauna is central to our focus at Blagdon.
"We hope that the guidance we are issuing today to our customers will help pond owners and gardeners responsibly manage their ponds during a time when water is scarce. By following this advice and because our quality products are rigorously tested, a healthy, clean pond is achievable during this difficult situation."
Blagdon recommends that all pond-owners check with their local water authority as terms and conditions during a drought are subject to change.
Website: Blagdon
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