How Rainfall and Flooding Can Effect Underwater Fish Lights
We’ve been in business for almost 20 years, and every year we experience this same phenomenon, with murky water causing fish lights to look much dimmer than they did just a short time before. In this blog, we’ll discuss how rainfall, especially from significant weather events like hurricanes, can cause murky water, and what to do if flooding affects your Underwater Fish Light system.
Rainfall and Its Effects on Water Clarity
Water clarity in saltwater canals is highly susceptible to fluctuations in rainfall, which impacts the performance of Underwater Fish Lights. Hurricanes and tropical storms, such as Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, have historically brought heavy rainfall and flooding to the southeastern United States, exacerbating the problem. When these events occur, they dump vast amounts of rain into the region, often causing significant runoff and sediment displacement that lead to murkier water.
Understanding the Causes
Runoff Contamination: Heavy rains, especially during tropical storms, cause runoff that collects pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, oils, and debris from roads and lawns. This contaminated water eventually flows into the canals, reducing water clarity and affecting the effectiveness of underwater fish lights. The pollutants cloud the water, making the fish light seem dimmer, even though it’s working perfectly.
Sediment Displacement: Hurricanes and heavy rains can disturb the sediment at the bottom of canals. This sediment, which includes silt, organic material, and other particulates, becomes suspended in the water. As it floats, it clouds the water, further reducing clarity, making it harder for the fish light to penetrate through the murkiness.
Nutrient Loading: Rainwater carries nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from various sources into the canals. While essential for aquatic ecosystems, an overabundance of these nutrients can cause algal blooms, leading to murkier waters. In the wake of significant rainfall, like that from hurricanes, these nutrient surges contribute to poor water quality, further impacting underwater visibility.
The Impact of Hurricanes and Flooding
Storms like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have shown us the destructive power of severe weather on water clarity and waterfront infrastructure. The heavy rainfall that accompanies hurricanes often causes flooding in low-lying areas, including waterfront properties. During these times, water levels rise dramatically, which can create additional challenges for those with underwater fish lights.
One significant risk during floods is that the control box of your Underwater Fish Light system may become submerged. Each control box has multiple points of ventilation, meaning they are not waterproof and are effected by submersion from tidal surges. If this happens, it’s essential to unplug the system immediately to avoid any potential hazards. The system could turn back on while wet, posing electrical risks. Once you’ve unplugged the system, let it dry out completely. There is a chance the system will still work when dried out, but this is only temporary. It will eventually stop working after the electrical components corrode within the system. If you believe the control box was submerged, it’s crucial to reach out to our customer support line at 941-391-5846 for assistance.
