Hello,

I just inherited a lagoon septic system with my new house - and was told
at inspection that I have to remove the duckweed that is now covering
the surface of the lagoon.

Something was mentioned about stringing wire across the surface, letting
the duskweed grow on it, and then yanking it out. I wasn't sure if this
was the best way or not.

Anyone know of the best way to get rid of it?

Thanks,

Davin

The duckweed is eating the nutrient overload in the lagoon. I can't see any
harm that it is doing in the process. The only drawback I can see is that when
it dies it will fall to the bottom of the lagoon.

Duckweed is routinely havested for animal feed, although not very frequently
from human waste systems. It is susceptible to wind causing it to bunch up on
one side on the lagoon.

Dragging a wire, rope of long thin net across the lagoon is a normal way of
harvesting. Achor one end of the rope or net and walk the other end around the
lagoon as a pivot. This will likely have to be done weekly to keep it well
managed in warm weather.

I imagine there are chemical controls as well.

Cornelius A. Van Milligen
Kentucky Enrichment Inc

(CAVM) wrote in message ...
The duckweed is eating the nutrient overload in the lagoon. I can't see any
harm that it is doing in the process. The only drawback I can see is that when
it dies it will fall to the bottom of the lagoon.

I have duckweed in my water holding damn. I use the water for my
livestock to drink. The duckweed covers the entire water surface
preventing light from penetratring it. This purifies the water by
keeping algae at bay. The duck weed also sucks loads of nitrates from
the water. The thicker the duckweed, the higher nutrient load in the
water.
In your case, you have to get rid of it completly if you can. Septic
lagoons are designed so sunlight can reach the lagoon bottom. Sunlight
kills collieforms within hours and with the duckweed, it can't do it's
job.
Anyway good luck getting rid of it

Ian