Privacy policy

Last updated: July 11, 2026 · version 2026-07-beta

Who we are

Ripple is a mobile app that helps pond owners understand and care for their water ("Ripple," "we," "us"). This policy describes what information the app handles and the choices you have. Questions go to support@rippleponds.com.

Information stored on your device

Ripple is built local-first. The following stays in the app's storage on your phone and is not uploaded to any Ripple database:

• Your pond profile: name, the shoreline outline you trace, computed measurements, depth, pond type, concerns, and optional pond history.
• Your treatment plan, reminders, treatment log, and preferences.
• Your photo history, health-score history, and check-in records.

Deleting the app deletes this data. We can't recover it for you, because we never had it.

Information sent for analysis

To generate a diagnosis, plan, or chat response, the app sends the relevant inputs over an encrypted connection (HTTPS) to our analysis service:

• Photos you choose to analyze, for the initial diagnosis and monthly check-ins.
• Pond details that make the analysis accurate: measurements, depth, pond type, your main concern, optional pond history, your U.S. state, and general location.
• Voice notes, if you record one, which are transcribed to text.
• Chat messages you send to the AI lake manager.

This data is processed to produce your results and returned to your device. Our servers do not maintain user accounts or store your pond data after processing completes. We use trusted AI infrastructure providers to perform the analysis on our behalf; under our service agreements, this data is used to provide the service — not to train their publicly available models.

Location

If you grant location access, Ripple uses your pond's coordinates to fetch local weather (for the bloom-risk outlook and treatment timing) and to determine your U.S. state (for state-specific product rules and professional referrals). Coordinates are sent to our weather data provider to retrieve the forecast. Your location is stored on your device as part of your pond profile. Location access is optional — you can also place your pond manually on the map.

Analytics

We use PostHog to collect usage analytics — which screens are used, which features are tapped, and anonymous device information — so we can improve the app. We do not use analytics to build advertising profiles, and we do not sell personal information. Our website (rippleponds.com) may use the same analytics service in a cookieless mode to count visits and sign-ups; it does not store identifiers on your device.

Device permissions

• Camera and photo library — to capture and select pond photos for analysis.
• Location (optional) — for weather and state-specific guidance.
• Microphone (optional) — to record voice notes for transcription.
• Notifications (optional) — reminders and Pond Watch alerts are scheduled locally on your device.

You can change any permission at any time in your device settings.

Data retention and deletion

Because your data lives on your device, deleting the app removes it. Analysis inputs are processed transiently and are not retained in a Ripple user database. If you have questions about data handled during processing, contact support@rippleponds.com and we'll help.

Children

Ripple is not directed at children and is not intended for use by anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

If we make material changes — for example, if a future version adds accounts or cloud sync — we'll update this page, revise the date above, and ask for your acceptance in the app where required.

Contact

Ripple · support@rippleponds.com