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Dredging Services | Lake Dredging Services

Can.Do. Lake Dredging

When excess sediment builds up, it can choke a lake’s depth, cloud the water, disrupt aquatic life, and reduce its value for recreation or irrigation. Lake dredging is often the most effective way to reverse years, even decades, of decline.

At AUS Dredge Dive, we specialize in lake dredging and sediment removal services that restore depth, clarity, and beauty to lakes, ponds, marinas, and reservoirs. Over time, silt, muck, and organic debris accumulate, causing shallow water, algae blooms, and declining aquatic health. Without intervention, these problems worsen, limiting recreation, reducing property values, and damaging ecosystems.

Our team approaches every dredging project with care, especially in residential and recreational environments. We prioritize environmental sensitivity and visual impact, maintaining clean, orderly work zones with minimal disruption to the shoreline.

With over 26 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for delivering efficient, environmentally responsible dredging services that restore and revitalize lakes across the region and nationwide. We serve lakefront property owners, HOAs, municipalities, marinas, industrial parks, and conservation districts.

Lake Dredging Management Dredging Lake

Why Lake Dredging Matters

Lakes naturally accumulate sediment over time, leading to shallow zones, algae blooms, poor circulation, and fish die-offs. Dredging restores original depth and water flow, improves oxygenation, and reduces nutrient overload, creating a healthier ecosystem for both wildlife and recreational use. It also enhances the aesthetic and property value of surrounding land.

Whether you’re managing a residential lake, a recreational reservoir, or a stormwater retention system, one thing is certain: sediment doesn’t stay put. Over time, silt, sludge, and organic buildup silently choke your waterbody, reducing capacity, degrading water quality, and creating costly maintenance issues downstream.

Every lake is different: depth, size, surrounding environment, and uses all factors into the dredging approach. That’s why we begin each project with thorough site assessments and custom dredging plans designed to protect aquatic life and minimize shoreline impact.

When Should a Lake be Dredged?

The frequency with which a lake should be dredged depends on several factors, including lake size, sediment input, surrounding land use, and whether the lake is natural or man-made.

  • For smaller lakes and ponds, dredging is typically recommended every 15 to 20 years to maintain water quality and ecosystem health.
  • Ponds with higher sediment inflow or runoff may require dredging more frequently, every 3 to 5 years.
  • Man-made lakes often need dredging more often than natural lakes because sediment accumulates faster due to disrupted natural water flow.
  • The actual need for dredging should be determined by monitoring for signs such as:
    • - Cloudy or murky water
    • - Foul odors
    • - Decreased depth or visible shrinkage
    • - Excessive plant or algae growth
    • - Loss of aquatic wildlife

A Trusted Partner in Lake Restoration

From initial surveys to permitting support and project completion, AUS delivers end-to-end service backed by specialized equipment and a dedicated team.

Our Dredging Methods: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical

  • Hydraulic dredging is ideal for removing large volumes of fine sediment with minimal disturbance to the ecosystem. We use specialized pumps and floating pipeline systems to transfer sediment to geotextile bags or approved disposal sites.
  • Mechanical dredging is preferred for lakes with larger debris, excessive vegetation, or when precise excavation is needed in confined areas.

We’re equipped to handle both, and we select the right method, or a hybrid approach, based on your lake’s specific conditions

Real Results, Real Reliability

AUS Dredge and Dive has certified divers and custom-engineered dredging systems. We are trusted nationwide for challenging lake and pond projects.

We are proud to provide lake dredging services to industrial, municipal, and residential clients in Texas and nationwide:

  • Lakefront property owners looking to restore private ponds or lakes
  • HOAs and lake associations seeking long-term lake management solutions
  • Municipalities and park districts responsible for public waterways
  • Marinas and harbors needing marina dredging or navigation channel clearing
  • Industrial parks and facilities with stormwater retention ponds

We've helped restore and maintain waterbodies that others called “too far gone.” Whether it’s clearing five feet of muck or resolving a decades-old stormwater issue, we bring the gear, grit, and game plan to get it done.


We don’t just restore lakes — we revive their ecological health and natural performance

Learn More

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FAQS

Yes. AUS Dredge & Dive provides dredging services nationwide across the contiguous United States, depending on project scope, logistics, and scheduling. If you’re outside Texas, we’ll confirm site requirements and the most efficient approach during the scoping process.

Not always. Many dredging projects can be completed with the pond partially full or fully in water, depending on access and method. In some cases, lowering the water level improves efficiency or reduces cost. AUS evaluates your site conditions and recommends the approach that protects the property, meets project goals, and keeps operations practical.

Minimum project size depends on location, access, and scope rather than pond size alone. Some smaller projects are feasible when access and logistics are efficient, while others may require a larger scope to be cost-effective. AUS evaluates each site individually and will recommend the most practical approach.

Permit requirements vary by location and project type. Some dredging work requires permits, while other projects may not. AUS helps identify likely permitting considerations early, including environmental constraints and access limitations, so the project can be scoped appropriately. If permits are required, timelines and documentation needs are factored into planning.The need for permits is dependent on the project type and location. Not all dredging work requires one. Early on, AUS assesses permitting factors, such as environmental restrictions and access constraints, to ensure appropriate project scoping. When permits are necessary, AUS incorporates the required timelines and documentation into the planning process.

The dredging process typically includes site evaluation, scope definition, method selection, permitting review (if required), mobilization, dredging and dewatering, material handling and disposal, and site restoration. AUS manages each phase with safety, efficiency, and clear communication to minimize disruption and avoid surprises.

Dredging timelines depend on sediment volume, equipment access, dewatering time, weather, and disposal logistics. Small ponds can take days, while larger lakes or complex sites may take weeks. After evaluating the site, AUS provides a realistic schedule that accounts for production rates, dewatering, hauling, and site restoration needs.

Yes. Routine programs can include inspections, sediment monitoring, vegetation control, and proactive maintenance to reduce emergency issues and extend the time between major dredging projects. A planned approach can help keep budgets predictable and reduce the risk of sudden capacity loss or water-quality problems.

Contact AUS with the waterbody location, the main issue (loss of depth, muck buildup,cattails, access concerns) and any photos or prior reports. AUS typically starts with a scoping call and may recommend a site visit to confirm conditions. Once the scope is defined, you’ll receive a clear project approach and budget framework.