Elm Creek Pond experienced turnover resulting in the loss of all fish. Turnover is often caused by a sudden cooling of weather and a cold rain which cools the water close to the surface. This causes fish to asphyxiate due to lack of oxygen in the water.
Turnover often releases anoxic water from the bottom, which causes a lack of oxygen throughout the pond. Additionally, noxious gases, such as Hydrogen Sulfide, are sometimes liberated from the bottom.
The City has contacted an aquatic professional, with TurnPro Aquatics Pond Specialist, and it has been confirmed that this is a natural phenomenon, and not caused by any chemical, or dangerous algae. It is not dangerous for humans, pets or other wildlife. This is solely due to a lack of oxygen in the water that in turn causes fish to asphyxiate. No other wildlife impacted by this turnover is another verification of the phenomenon.
The aquatic professional indicated in the last several weeks they have confirmed over 20 pond turnovers due to the heat and the cold rains that we have been experiencing.
Unfortunately over 200 fish at Elm Creek Pond were lost due to the pond turnover. The parks department is working diligently to clean up the pond.
The City of Owasso will continue to monitor Elm Creek Pond, as well as other City ponds and will address any issues as they arise.
