This winter, the aerators in the Villages pond will remain off. A few homeowners with properties near the pond have inquired about turning the aerators back on to prevent ice formation and attract geese and ducks. We appreciate this feedback and want to share the considerations behind the Board’s decision.
After consulting with our pond maintenance vendor, we learned that running the aerators during the winter does help reduce ice formation and attract geese and ducks. But their droppings contribute significantly to water pollution. Unfortunately, the Villages pond already has the highest pollution levels of the four ponds in our community, with very high concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen. (All ponds were recently tested for water quality.) These pollutants are the primary cause of frequent algal blooms and occurrences of toxic blue-green algae.
To address these concerns, the Board is planning to evaluate options for pond remediation in 2025 to improve overall water quality.
Additionally, the vendor advised that the pump supplying air to the aerators requires servicing before it can be restarted. Given the environmental considerations and the fact that unforeseen expenses have already caused us to exceed our 2024 budget, the Board determined it would not be prudent to turn the aerators back on this winter.
We understand that this decision may be disappointing to some, but it is guided by our commitment to improving the long-term health of our ponds and being mindful of our budget constraints.
We thank you for your understanding and ongoing support as we work toward sustainable solutions for our community.