Do the blue dyes really help control nuisance aquatic plant growth?
The blue dyes may be used to reduce nuisance aquatic plant growth in very small lakes and ponds under certain conditions. The dye acts as a chemical shade by reflecting some of the blue wavelengths of light needed by the plants for photosynthesis. The plants cannot grow effectively without active photosynthesis. Dyes should only be added to very small lakes and ponds that are under the full control of the applicator. A permit from DEQ is required if conditions under Question 1 are met. There are limitations to using dyes to reduce aquatic plant growth: Plants can still grow in the top 18 inches of water. If your pond has shallow bank slopes, large areas may be less than 18 inches deep and they will still support active plant growth. If the color intensity is not maintained, plants will grow. Ponds with flowing outlets will lose the dye and the color intensity may decrease over time requiring additional dye treatments. Dyes must be retained in the treated water body, it is illegal to di
