Cleaning a Swimming Lake Organically

Swimming lakes are beautiful places for families, wildlife and communities. But keeping them clean and safe—without heavy chemicals—is a challenge. Fortunately, it is possible to restore and maintain a swimming lake using natural, enzyme-based methods. Bioglobe has developed organic enzyme technology that can help clean lakes, control algae and bacteria, and protect both people and wildlife—all without adverse chemical effects.

Below we explore the issue, the risks, and how Bioglobe’s organic enzyme remediation offers a safer, sustainable solution.

Problem

What kinds of issues affect a swimming lake, and why are they happening?

1. Algae growth and bloomsLakes often suffer from excessive algae—green or blue-green algae in the water. These blooms are usually triggered by too many nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients come from run-off (fertilisers, animal waste, soil erosion), sometimes from nearby septic systems, or from decomposing organic matter in the lake itself.
2. Organic muck and sludge at the bottomOver time, leaves, dead plants, fish, insects, and other organic material fall into the lake. They sink, decompose slowly, and build up as muck or sludge. This mudgy layer reduces water depth, degrades water quality, and can release further nutrients as it breaks down.
3. Poor water clarity and smellFloating algae or suspended particles make lake water cloudy. Decomposing organic material may cause murky water, unpleasant odours, and sometimes scums or mats on the surface.
4. Bacteria and pathogensWhen organic matter decomposes, especially in warm, stagnant water, bacteria may proliferate. Some bacteria can be harmful to swimmers, pets, or wildlife. Low oxygen levels (often caused by algae or decomposition) worsen this condition.
5. Fluctuating water chemistry, oxygen depletionAlgal blooms and the decomposition of sludge consume oxygen, which can lead to low dissolved oxygen, harming fish or aquatic life. Also, pH imbalances may arise.
6. Chemical treatments have drawbacksMany lakes are managed via algaecides, chemical fertilizers inhibitors, or chlorine-based treatments. These can have unintended ecological consequences: harming fish or beneficial organisms, risking downstream water quality, leaving residues, sometimes being unsafe for people or pets if misused.

Consequences

What happens if these problems are not addressed or are managed poorly?

1. Health risks to swimmers, pets and wildlifeAlgal blooms (especially blue-green algae = cyanobacteria) can produce toxins. Swimmers or animals in contact with water may suffer skin irritation, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal illness, or worse. Decomposing sludge may host harmful microbes or parasites.
2. Loss of recreational valueMurky water, unpleasant smells, algae mats or floating scum make lakes less appealing for swimming or leisure. This can reduce usage, impact local tourism or property values.
3. Ecosystem damageOxygen depletion kills fish or aquatic invertebrates. Nutrient cycling is disrupted. Native plants may be smothered by algae; invasive species may gain advantage. Biodiversity suffers.
4. High maintenance and operating costRegular chemical treatments, mechanical dredging, removal of sludge, water exchange, or aeration are costly in materials, labour, energy. Frequent chemical treatments might require regulatory compliance and monitoring.
5. Long-term environmental harmChemical residues may accumulate in sediments, harm downstream environments, alter soil or water chemistry. Repeated use of harsh chemicals can degrade beneficial populations (microbes, plants, insects) that normally help maintain water quality naturally.
6. Regulatory, legal or social consequencesThere may be local regulations limiting chemical discharges, protecting habitats, or health standards for public swimming. Non-compliance can lead to fines, closures. Also, public concern and opposition may grow.

Solution: Organically Cleaning a Swimming Lake with Bioglobe

Here’s how cleaning a swimming lake can be done naturally, how Bioglobe’s enzyme-based approach works, and how to implement it.

What Is an Enzyme-Based Natural Treatment?

Enzymes are natural proteins that speed up (catalyse) specific biochemical reactions. In lake cleaning, they help break down organic materials (leaves, dead algae, plant fibres, fats, proteins) into simpler molecules that microbes can consume more easily, improving water clarity and reducing the material that fuels algae growth.

Bioglobe specialises in organic enzyme solutions, tailored to the particular pollutants and organic matter present in the lake, so that the treatment is efficient and safe.

How Bioglobe’s Approach Works

1. Assessment of the lake
   • Sampling water and sediment to understand nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus), types of organic matter, presence of algae, bacteria, etc.
   • Measuring water clarity, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and identifying problem areas (shallows, inflow points, dead zones).
2. Custom enzyme blend formulation
   • Based on the analysis, Bioglobe designs an enzyme mix that targets the specific organic material and issues. For example: cellulases for plant fibres, proteases for proteins, lipases for fats, enzymes that help degrade algal exudates. Bioglobe also offers blends for “Algae | Powder Multi Enzymes Blend” in its services.
   • Enzyme blends can also include formulations that work well in different oxygen and temperature conditions.
3. Application
   • Adding enzymes to the water or directly into sediment in problem areas.
   • Ensuring sufficient contact time (e.g. mixing or diffusion), possibly via aeration or mild circulation to ensure enzymes contact organic matter.
4. Supporting natural microbe action
   • Enzymes break down complex organic material into simpler molecules; naturally occurring microbes (bacteria, other microorganisms) consume those simpler molecules, reducing organic load.
   • By reducing the food source (nutrient & organic matter), algae growth is curtailed.
5. Improving water circulation and oxygenation
   • While enzymes help break down material, maintaining or improving dissolved oxygen (via aerators, circulation, fountains) helps microbes function efficiently and prevents anaerobic (oxygen-poor) decomposition that can produce odours or toxins.
6. Sediment and nutrient management
   • Where nutrient‐rich sediments are releasing phosphorus or nitrogen back into the water, application may include enzyme treatments targeted at sediments.
   • Possibly combining with natural filtration zones (wetlands, reed beds) that uptake nutrients.
7. Maintenance, follow-up and monitoring
   • Periodic assessment of water clarity, nutrient levels, algae presence.
   • Re-application of enzyme treatments as needed (depending on inflows, seasonal effects).
   • Managing sources of nutrient input (run-off control, ensuring upstream areas don’t contribute too much fertiliser, reducing decaying organic debris entering the water).

Why Bioglobe’s Enzyme Treatment Is Advantageous

• Biodegradability and safety: Enzymes are natural, degrade to harmless amino acids. They leave no persistent chemical residue. Bioglobe emphasises that their organic enzyme solutions are eco-friendly and meant to replace harmful chemicals.
• Customisation to the lake’s condition which means more efficient treatment, less waste, more effectiveness.
• Reduced negative impacts: Less risk to fish, plants, wildlife; minimal risk to people and pets when properly applied.
• Cost savings in the long run: Because less frequent dredging, fewer chemicals, reduced maintenance, and possibly less frequent treatment once the system balances.
• Sustainable, natural ecosystem restoration rather than just masking symptoms.

How to Implement Organic Lake Cleaning: Step by Step

For communities, lake owners or local authorities, this is how you could use Bioglobe’s organic enzyme approach.

1. Sample & Analyse
   • Collect water samples (surface, mid-depth, maybe deeper layers) to measure nutrients (P, N), pH, turbidity.
   • Collect sediment samples to see organic matter, nutrient release potential.
   • Identify inflow sources of pollution (run-off, upstream waste, garden fertilisers etc.).
2. Plan the Treatment
   • With Bioglobe, determine what enzyme blend is needed.
   • Decide application method: direct dosing in water; sediment treatment; focal area treatments (shallows, edges).
   • Include supporting measures: aeration, vegetation buffer strips, upstream run-off control.
3. Pilot / Initial Treatment
   • Do a small-scale trial in a part of the lake to see how quickly improvements occur in clarity, algae levels, odours.
   • Monitor outcomes.
4. Full-scale Application
   • Roll out across the lake, following the dosage and schedule determined.
   • Maybe apply before or after peak growth seasons (spring, summer) depending on climate.
5. Ongoing Maintenance & Monitoring
   • Regular checks on water quality (nutrients, algae, oxygen).
   • Remove debris and decaying material (fallen leaves, dead plants); prevent large-scale sediment build-up.
   • Reapply enzyme treatment periodically, especially if nutrient inputs increase or after heavy rainfall/upstream inputs.
6. Preventing Future Pollution
   • Reduce fertiliser use around the lake; maintain buffer vegetation.
   • Control run-off from urban or agricultural land.
   • Ensure septic systems or upstream waste water are working correctly.

Conclusion

Cleaning a swimming lake organically is not just a dream—it’s a practical, sustainable path forward. By using enzyme-based natural treatments like those Bioglobe offers, you can reduce algae and bacteria, improve water clarity, protect swimmers, pets and wildlife, and maintain the natural beauty and health of a lake—all without harsh chemicals.

With proper planning, assessment, application and ongoing care, an enzyme remediation strategy can restore a lake to balance, reduce maintenance costs over time, and ensure the ecosystem thrives.

FAQs

Is it safe for people and pets?
Yes. When properly formulated and used, enzyme treatments are very safe. Enzymes themselves are proteins that biodegrade into harmless amino acids once their work is done. Because there are no harsh chemical residues, the risks of skin irritation, toxic exposure or adverse health effects are much lower compared to traditional chemical algaecides or disinfectants. Bioglobe designs their enzyme blends with environmental safety in mind.

Can natural treatment control algae and bacteria?
Yes. Natural treatment using enzymes, in conjunction with promoting healthy microbial activity, controlling nutrient inputs, aeration, and possibly vegetation buffers, can substantially reduce algae blooms and bacterial overgrowth. Enzymes help break down organic matter and reduce the nutrient sources that algae and bacteria feed on. Over time, the water becomes clearer, calmer, and healthier.

How often should it be applied?
The frequency depends on multiple factors: how dirty the lake is, how much nutrient input it receives, climate/season, and how quickly algae or organic muck returns. A typical pattern might be: an initial intensive treatment at the start of the season, followed by regular maintenance-doses (e.g. monthly or bi-monthly) during the growth period, and perhaps less frequent treatment in colder months. Monitoring will show when reapplication is needed.

Bioglobe offer Organic Enzyme pollution remediation for major oil-spills, oceans and coastal waters, marinas and inland water, sewage and nitrate remediation and agriculture and brown-field sites, throughout the UK and Europe.

We have created our own Enzyme based bioremediation in our own laboratory in Cyprus and we are able to create bespoke variants for maximum efficacy.

Our team are able to identify the pollution, we then assess the problem, conduct site tests and send samples to our lab where we can create a bespoke variant, we then conduct a pilot test and proceed from there.

Our Enzyme solutions are available around the world, remediation pollution organically without any harm to the ecosystem.

For further information:
BioGlobe LTD (UK),
Phone: +44(0) 116 4736303| Email: info@bioglobe.co.uk