Seasonal care calendar
August pond care in Pennsylvania
The last hot month. It is also the time to file paperwork for fall projects.
- Care
Fish kills can accelerate in early August. Aeration helps keep oxygen up during algae blooms.
- Safety
Suspect a harmful algal bloom? Keep people and pets out and report it to the PA HABs Task Force.
Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs hub) This may be outdated
- Permit timing
Drawing the pond down this fall? Over 1 acre (or with another state permit): PFBC drawdown permit, 30+ days ahead, no fee. Draw down before turtles, frogs and salamanders start hibernating in the mud.
Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments: Drawdown Considerations This may be outdated
- Care
Phragmites shows its feathery purple or golden plumes in late July and August, the easiest time to spot new stands on your shoreline. Report it.
Source: DCNR invasive plant fact sheet: Common reed (Phragmites)
- Care
Penn State notes cattails and large floating plants such as spatterdock and water lilies can be treated in late summer, unlike most plants. The permit still comes first.
- Permit timing
Planning to dredge this fall? Restoring a small man-made pond's original depth is waived from Chapter 105; E&S, PNDI and drawdown rules still apply.
Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: 25 Pa. Code § 105.12(a)(14), Waiver of permit requirements This may be outdated
This calendar repeats every year. Permit reminders show the date we last checked the rule.
The Seasonal Pond Letter
Free, four times a year: mid-February, May 1, mid-August and November 1: what to do and file before each season. Sign up.