Whether you’re filling a new pond for the first time, conducting a periodic water change or simply topping it off during a hot, dry summer, the easiest source of water is often your own tap. This water has the benefit of being readily available in virtually unlimited amounts, being free of harmful parasites and bacteria and presumably is located close to your pond. Understandably, tap water is the primary source for most backyard ponds.
While it’s safe for human and animal consumption, tap water needs treatment before your fish can safely live, drink and breathe in it. Water utilities, whether they are municipal suppliers or managers of rural community wells, must treat the water they provide to ensure it is free of bacteria and parasites that are harmful to humans. The universally approved disinfectant for water supplies is some form of chlorine. Chlorine is an effective agent because it kills living cells like bacteria, but also damages delicate fish gills and internal organs. Plain chlorine was used exclusively decades ago, which was convenient for pond owners because it would readily evaporate in a short period of time, meaning you could fill your pond and merely let it sit for a few days with a bubbler going and you’d be ready to go. More recently, many utilities have switched over to using chloramine, a compound made from chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine does not evaporate well, even when boiled, which is a boon to the utilities and a problem to fish folk. Fortunately, there are products available in pond supply stores that will bind and remove the chloramine and even remove heavy metals like lead that persist in municipal water supplies. Look for a water conditioner or water treatment that specifically mentions chloramine. Activated charcoal filters can work as well, but they can tend to be more expensive and less convenient. Check with your pond supplier to learn about the pros and cons of using this method or even a combination of the two.
