What causes a pond to look muddy?
Muddy ponds can come from many sources. Bottom-feeding fish (catfish, carp), muskrats, wave action, waterfowl, and livestock can all muddy a pond. Sometimes, excessive growth of small plankton may make the water look muddy. You can determine the cause of muddy water by filling a glass jar with pond water and holding it to a strong light. Plankton can be observed moving erratically. Sediment will usually settle to the bottom of the jar in a day or so.
