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Water
quality
Water
worries
Using tap-water to fill your pond is normally fine for garden ponds. The chlorine in the
water will disappear over a couple of days and will do little lasting
damage.
Topping larger ponds up in this way during the warmer summer is also
generally fine, though be aware that extreme changes of water temperature
can ‘shock’ animals if added in large amounts at once. Running roof
drainage into ponds helps to keep garden ponds topped up or consider a water
butt nearby. Don’t be overly concerned about some of the water evaporating
from the pond in summer. In most years the pond will top itself up naturally
in the winter months.
Chemical
concerns
In some cases ponds may collect run-off during heavy rain. In most places
this is not a problem, but be wary of nearby sources of pollution (e.g.
garden fertilisers, crop run-off). Steer clear of pond tonics and
algae-control chemicals.
Filters
and pumps
These aerate and clean the water, which is more of a necessity for those
with ornamental fish. For wildlife though, filters and pumps aren’t
necessarily useful: their ‘vacuum’ action can kill phytoplankton and
zooplankton, which can affect animals further up the foodchain. Carefully
chosen plants can
be very effective in keeping your water looking clean.
With thanks to our Corporate Supporter BNP Paribas
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Adding small amounts of tap-water is generally fine
for amphibians, however larger volumes may harm aquatic invertebrates and
tadpoles. Help us give a voice to amphibians and reptiles - become one of our 500 Froglife Friends
Nature itself has all the tools to keep ponds clean
and healthy-looking.
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