Water aeration is the process of increasing or maintaining the oxygen saturation of water in both natural and artificial environments.
Aeration techniques are commonly used in pond, lake, and reservoir management to address low oxygen levels or algal blooms.
Water aeration is often required in water bodies that suffer from hypoxic or anoxic conditions, often caused by upstream human activities such as sewage discharges, agricultural run-off, or over-baiting a fishing lake.
Aeration can be achieved through the infusion of air into the bottom of the lake, lagoon or pond or by surface agitation from a fountain or spray-like device to allow for oxygen exchange at the surface and the release of gasses such as carbon dioxide, methane or hydrogen sulfide. Decreased levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) is a major contributor to poor water quality.
Not only do fish and most other aquatic animals need oxygen, aerobic bacteria help decompose organic matter. When oxygen concentrations become low, anoxic conditions may develop which can decrease the ability of the water body to support life.