Question
I just got my garden landscaped 6 months ago, and it includes a waterfall with 2 cascades - the first falls into a small pool and the second just on a bed of stones that seeps into the reservoir. The water in the small pool is a dirty brown-peaty colour, - and it has stained the front of the granite rocks it flows over.   (When I take some water out in a glass, it looks a light brown colour, ...but in the pond it is very dark).  Is there anything I can add to the water to try and restore the clear spring I had at the beginning?...and any idea what could have caused this?   (been very stormy recently, so I thought maybe soil etc washed in to the water?)

Answer
Hi there!

The colouring of the stones could be caused by either minerals, (specially iron) or tanin from plants.
Oak trees are very rich in this substance.
Any leaves falling in a pond would, in time, release this substance. Depending on the amount, they could turn the water really brown.

If my answer doesn't help you, and you are located in the Westchester County area in New York, give me a call, and I could probably come over and take a look at your waterfall.

You may call me @: Organic Landscaping (914)921-4858