from a site called lakewoodranchgov.org about manmade ponds...
Why does my pond smell?
o The bad odor you notice typically comes from one of these three sources: rotting organic
matter, water turnover or certain types of algae. Ponds with stagnant, poorly oxygenated
water develop into temperature layers. Decaying organic matter settles on the bottom of the
pond where there is little oxygen thus slowing the break down process and producing odor.
Windy cooler weather or heavy rainstorms can cause a pond to mix, which brings the bad
water to the surface. This most commonly occurs right after our first cold front but can also
occur throughout the warmer months of summer and fall. Finally, certain kinds of algae such
as cyanobacteria or chara algae can emit a musty, earthy odor.
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