First I apologize if this is a stupid question, I am very new to this buying my first piece of property with a pond on it. During the buying process I have asked the current owners how deep and what the water source for the pond is. They aren't sure of the answer to either question other than it isn't spring fed as far as they know.

Walking the property and lookign at overhead maps there isn't any creeks feeding it but it is still holding water and we haven't seen a drop of rain in this part of Texas in quite awhile so it has to be getting water from somewhere.

The pond is at the lowest part of the property so it could be runoff but I would think that being as dry as it has been it should be much lower than it is right now, this is the second driest summer on record. On top of that within 1000 feet of this pond there are three much larger ponds on other peoples properties and they all seem to be holding water well too. Looking back at 2012 google earth images (another historic drought) all of the four ponds held water well then too.

So a long post to ask what might be a simple question, how does someone figure out the source of their ponds water?

You might have some flowing springs in the area. However, in this heat, the trees are sucking all the water just to stay alive.

Where are you in North Texas?

NE of Mckinney Texas. Trenton area.

99% use runoff.
Get to know the pond. All of them hold water but the level will vary depending on rain, drought, leaks, etc. it’s possible that you have a spring with the water table at a certain place. I was through Trenton the other day and got the impression that the area has had some rains.

The drought tracker has the county currently on a moderate drought, possible rain in the next few days (Fri-Mon) but low percentages. I am currently about 15 miles south and we have had one small storm here in the past 30 days I think.

Thanks for the info, I would have thought more were fed by spring than that as dry as our summers can be.

You could look at a topograph map with elevations and get an idea of your watershed area.

If you have a pond that holds water very well, be very thankful. Not all do.

The problem with springs is that can both give and take. A spring is nothing but an underwater aquifer that has found an exit to the outside.

When digging a pond, a spring is sometimes found. It must be sealed off to keep it from withdrawing water from the pond. Or, move the location of the pond.

I hadn't thought about that Dave, I am looking forward to taking ownership of the property and being able to better monitor the depth and water inflow possibilities.

If you can find a Hydrologist. They can definitely help you out with your water source dilemma.