Started filling the pond even after not totaly compacting it.
Started seeing bubbles when first water covered the basin. I thought this was a sign of a leaking pond. After several days of filling with a limited water supply (our hand dug farmers well) I have about a foot of water in the basin. The bubbles have stopped and the water is holding. Thanks for all that answered my posts for help..

We are expecting rain this coming week, which should help with the filling. It's been an up and down fight with this pond not to mention the better have's comments.