Announcement

Tufton Pond Project Goes Live

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Dave Grote from Clean-Flo trains the LMOA Facilities & Operations Team on running the new system. Photo by Marieke Henry, LMOA Communications Director

What’s That Bubbling on Tufton Pond?

If you noticed the sudden appearance of bubble rings on Tufton Pond, you are not imagining it, and no, it's not Monti! What you are seeing is a new oxygenation* and bioaugmentation system. This week marked a significant step in lake health efforts, with the launch of two new initiatives at Tufton Pond. The Clean-Flo system went live, while the Wildlife Committee began the process of having a rain garden and soil conservation garden installed. These efforts reflect a growing focus on protecting the water quality of Tufton Pond and Lake Monticello as a whole.

Both the Facilities & Lake Operations Committee (FLOC) and Wildlife Committee are actively working to enhance the quality of our waterways so we can continue to enjoy our recreational lake for years to come. The board-approved Clean-Flo system at Tufton Pond combines oxygenation*, bioaugmentation (nutrients to feed essential phytoplankton), and bio-dredging (enzymes that break down problematic muck) to combat the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). Thanks to the dedicated efforts of LMOA staff and the wiring expertise of Clean-Flo employees Dave Grote and Ed Griswold, the system has been up and running since Tuesday, March 10, 2026.  

Why Clean-Flo?

Tufton Pond has experienced four algae blooms in the past five years. Since it feeds directly into our Main Lake, restoring the Pond’s health is a vital step in protecting the overall health of Lake Monticello. LMOA has been treating the blooms with algaecide, a method that may gradually do more harm than good. FLOC recommended an alternative treatment from Clean-Flo, a company specializing in biotechnology water treatment systems, which has been in contact with members of the committee for some time. The Clean-Flo project will serve as a test of how well this type of system performs in our specific pond environment. Data will be collected over an estimated three-year period to evaluate the project’s effectiveness. 

If successful, the Clean-Flo system will clean up the pond, but part of keeping it clean involves preventing new sediment, stormwater runoff, and other pollutants from entering it. Weather patterns in our area have revealed the need for stronger soil and water conservation practices throughout the community to protect not just the pond, but Lake Monticello, too. Areas where steep slopes and minimal plant life exist can cause water runoff to carry sediment into waterways, which, over time, deteriorates the health of our Lake. Luckily, there is a lot we can do as a community, and it can be as fun as planting a garden.

Gardens Come to the Rescue

FLOC and the Wildlife Committee have been collaborating with staff to develop educational materials for the community, focusing on actions residents can take to control erosion on their properties. One excellent method they have been promoting is the use of rain gardens and soil conservation gardens to filter pollutants and hold soil in place. The Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District (TJWSCD) even offers a cost-share program for these types of projects to residents and organizations. In the fall of 2025, LMOA met with a representative of TJWSCD, who confirmed soil conservation was needed at Tufton Pond and that the site was an ideal grant candidate due to the barren hillside in close proximity to the water's edge.

With this in mind, Wildlife Committee members met at the pond on March 7, 2026, with representatives from Wild Space LLC, a company specializing in runoff prevention and wildlife-friendly conservation gardens. With Board permission, the committee can use a quote to apply for a subsidy to install gardens that focus on native plants and natural filtration to slow stormwater flow, reduce pollutants entering Tufton Pond, and enhance the area’s natural beauty. They would also act as demonstration gardens, offering residents visual inspiration to tackle a community-wide challenge.

What Can You Do to Help?

Addressing stormwater on your own property is a great place to start. It helps protect the Lake and ensures you are in compliance with LMOA policy. The Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District website offers many resources!

*The system at Tufton Pond uses surface air, not pure oxygen.

Untitled SINGLE COLUMN LAYOUT

Comcast Channel 977 Schedule

Updated on May 27, 2026

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Announcement

Tufton Pond Project Goes Live

Untitled SINGLE COLUMN LAYOUT

Comcast Channel 977 Schedule

Comcast Channel 977 Schedule

CLICK HERE!

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Side Navigation

Announcement

Tufton Pond Project Goes Live

Untitled SINGLE COLUMN LAYOUT

Comcast Channel 977 Schedule

Comcast Channel 977 Schedule

CLICK HERE!