We Promote the Science of Ecologically Sound Lake Management
If your lake, reservoir, canal or marina is exhibiting problems despite your best efforts, you may need a consultation with our experts. Vertex Aquatic Solutions is not just a manufacturer, we have a full time staff of lake science and management experts. In addition to designing systems, we conduct real world research into the effectiveness of a broad range of products to promote optimal lake health. Our trained and experienced staff can put you on track to develop a scientifically-based approach to managing your water body. Anyone with a stake in aquatic resources could benefit from our high-level consulting services. Typical clients include lake management companies, engineering firms and government agencies.
Complex Aeration and Oxygenation System Design Consulting Services
For most ponds and small lakes, our free design services are all you need. Have you been treating your waterbody for these symptoms and they keep recurring? Getting the right aeration system, especially for very large bodies of water, including lakes and reservoirs takes more than a few calculations. A single lake can have acres of very shallow water with a few very deep areas. In some locations, some stratification is not only acceptable, but required. A system may only need to aid parts of larger waterbodies to control specific symptoms. Our experts help you get the job done right.
- Filling in from bottom muck leading to flooding
- Recurring Algae and Harmful Algal Blooms HABs
- Fish and other aquatic animals dying or struggling
- Nutrient and Pollutant
- Midge Flies and and Mosquitoes
Issue Based Lake Management Consulting Services
Issue-based water quality and/or Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) management plans use science and data based methodologies to bring faster results that cost less over the long term. This is most important when a larger waterbody does not respond to traditional methods of lake management.
Consulting services we offer include:
- Nutrient Budgets – Total maximum daily load studies provide the foundation to properly manage nutrient sources and water quality issues. It tells us where the major sources of nutrients are coming from so we can target our management strategies appropriately. The construction of a nutrient budget requires information to be obtained from a variety of sources within the watershed and within the lake.
- Water Quality Modeling – We help you obtain quantifiable estimates what the lake would be like before urban development, also called a lake’s background condition to set realistic water quality goals for your customer. We also provide estimates on how restoration tool(s) will impact water quality and HABs. By utilizing a variety of restoration scenarios to select the right tool(s), we help you to meet the objectives at hand and be within your clients budget. Some lakes are naturally bad, and knowing that can save everyone from expectations that cannot be met.
- Restoration Design, Modeling, and Cost Estimate Writing – We remove the “what ifs” from above and add in the other variables including time to implement, time to see results and the cost associated with the options individually and combined. The ultimate goal is to arrive at a comprehensive, workable plan that fits within the customers budget.
- Zooplankton assays – used to compliment fishery data and biomanipulation studies to improve water quality
- GIS services – required for obtaining much of the physical data on a lake and its watershed. Required for a nutrient budget.
- Laboratory phosphorus dosing assays for both sediment and water – provide better estimates on internal P load reductions using inactivation products. Provides estimates on internal P loading used in constructing a nutrient budget.
- Permit writing – many states require permits for different restoration tools. For example, Michigan requires permits for all aeration systems