Planning Ahead: Building a Water Treatment Strategy for 2026

As the season winds down and aquatic systems enter their winter slowdown, now is the time for pond and lake managers to start planning ahead. Fall and winter are the best seasons to reflect on what worked in 2025, identify nutrient challenges, and prepare a proactive water treatment strategy for 2026. Taking time now to assess conditions can make a significant difference once spring arrives.

Across the U.S., nutrient buildup remains a key challenge for water managers. According to national reports, many freshwater lakes continue to face ongoing eutrophication pressures, with phosphorus levels remaining a major driver behind visible overgrowth. By reviewing water test results, sediment data, and seasonal trends from the past year, you can pinpoint areas of risk and begin mapping out a plan to strengthen clarity and reduce nutrient load next year.

Start by identifying the main sources of nutrients entering your water bodies. For many, stormwater runoff from lawns, agricultural land, or construction sites plays a major role. Internal nutrient recycling—phosphorus and nitrogen released from sediment—can also act as an invisible nutrient source even when external inputs are controlled. Understanding both pathways allows you to target your strategy more effectively.

Planning ahead also means taking advantage of seasonal opportunities. Fall and winter are ideal for sediment testing, shoreline assessments, and maintenance work. Managers can plan buffer zones, schedule dredging or vegetation projects, and order supplies for early spring applications. Once temperatures begin to rise, nutrient levels can shift quickly—so having materials and a monitoring plan ready ensures you’re not reacting to problems after they appear.

By using the colder months to collect data, design interventions, and reinforce prevention strategies, you can start 2026 from a position of strength. Proactive planning doesn’t just save time—it protects your water systems from nutrient stress and helps maintain consistent clarity throughout the year. Ready to start planning for 2026? Contact us to get started!