Red silt pond (sediment basin)?

Question

We have a silt pond by our house, and it's turning red and slightly yellow on top. I was wondering why this happens? Could it be red algae? I heard a few species live in fresh water. Or is it iron something or other? Also, when water comes out from my shower, it's red at first. I read this can be due to mildew, but does it have anything to do with the silt pond turning red? It just did like 3 days ago. We just had some storms. Could that change anything? Thanks. :)

Answer 1

The pond is probably experiencing a water fern bloom (Azolla sp.)  Your recent storms have flushed nutrients into the pond causing the bloom.

The red water from your shower head is from iron in your plumbing.  It's totally unrelated to the pond.