Is Sodium Bentonite Clay Safe for Fish, Wildlife, and Livestock.

One of the main uses for sodium bentonite clay is as a pond sealer. However, with that in mind, it begs the question, Is bentonite clay safe for fish, wildlife and  Live stock ? Is bentonite clay safe in other circumstances? Below, we answer that question and show what makes bentonite clay the safest and best option for lining your pond, plugging your well, or for its use in any other appropriate application.

For more information on bentonite clay, including if it is safe for your intended application, contact us at Southwestern Materials today. We will be happy to discuss your project, answer any questions you may have, and provide a free estimate for the materials you will need.

How Safe Is Clay Bentonite for Wildlife, Fish, Livestock and the Environment in General?

One of the best attributes of bentonite is that it is a non-toxic, natural material that does not requires additives or chemicals to be at its best. In other words, clay bentonite is a safe and innocuous material. Because of these characteristics, in addition to its affordability and overall effectiveness as a water sealant, bentonite is an often preferred option for sealing ponds, wells, and other water leak mitigation projects.

In various circumstances, especially wherein animals may be affected, bentonite clay is the safe option for sealing certain water sources, such as ponds, which may supply water to livestock on busy working ranches and farms, or that provide peace and tranquility to your ranch and shelter fish. Bentonite is also safe for plugging abandoned wells, once steps are taken to clean standing water, as it prevents other contaminants from entering the aquifer that the well was once connected to.

Using Caution with the Sprinkle Method When Fish Live in the Pond

There are a few different methods in use for applying bentonite, one of which is known as “the Sprinkle Method.” The Sprinkle Method is used for sealing ponds in the event that the pond is unable to be drained before it is to be sealed. The clay bentonite is sprinkled over the water’s surface and sinks down to the bottom, where it starts to seal off leaks. While bentonite clay is safe in general, when the Sprinkle Method must be used to seal a pond, the inhabiting fish may be at risk. However, there are ways to apply the Sprinkle Method while still protecting fish in the pond.

The risk associated with clay bentonite, fish, and the Sprinkle Method is due to the possibility of bentonite micro-particles attaching to the fish gills, which can restrict their oxygen intake and cause them to suffocate. The best way to avoid this is to avoid application during hot weather, when water loss through evaporation is most likely. Treatment during hot weather, and in ponds that are low in water, should be done over the course of several days. They should also focus on one section of the pond at a time rather than treating the entire pond in one go. This allows the fish to move to an untreated area of the pond to remain safe from falling bentonite. These steps should minimize the risk to fish in the pond.

Learn More About How Safe Bentonite Clay Is for Water Sealing Projects

For more information on our bentonite clay supplies, and whether the option of bentonite clay is safe and sensible for your project, connect with us today!