I purchased 30 acres of land with a tank this year. The land is mostly sandy soil with some 50 foot elevation change from one end to the other. The previous owner added a berm to a natural slope to create a tank but it does not hold water.

I'm looking for advice on how to best make the tank hold water. I'd also like to make it larger. I'd like to do the job property even if that means I need to save money to have help from someone with the proper equipment. I'm just not very experienced with this and could use some help.

This is the tank last March. I've not owned the land long but this is about as high as I've seen it.


This is the tank yesterday. I don't know how much water is left in the bottom but it is only about 2-3'. It was full as in the previous picture three months ago.


The bottom looks to be the same sandy soil that is all over the property. There are some areas where the bottom appears to be a large sheet of rock.

CDW,
Welcome.

Where is Texas? Have you had your soil tested? Do you have any clay on the property? Have you started your plans for the bigger pond? Will it contain the current pond? Will it be in a natural drainage?


Questions like these are going to be asked. Further, you need to have a budget which is realistic for your plans. If you cut corners, you will have problems. Building a pond is one place to do it right the first time. If you plan on cutting corners, plan on having problems and spending a lot more to fix them.

Clearly the soil you have where that pond is does not work well at retaining water. So, do your homework.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the response Brian.

The property is a little east of Austin so central Texas. I've not had the soil tested yet but that would be a good step. The entire property is sandy soil with no clay.

I've done nothing with the pond at this point. Hoping to learn what is involved before doing anything.

The plan to expand (if financially feasible) would involve the current pond. I've not made any specific plans yet as I'm working to understand what would be involved in fixing what I have versus expanding so I can make a good decision.

The bottom line is that sand doesn't hold water. You may/will have to line the whole thing with 2 ft of well packed clay.

CDW,

Dave is right, clay is needed to hold water. If you can find it on your property, that is the easiest way to go. And, by the way, the cheepest. If you have no clay to work with, you are going to have to bring it in. If not, a liner or a chemical barrier would have to be used.

Sounds like you are on the right track. Learn all you can before moving dirt or signing anything.

One other thought, have you talked to a local pond builder? They are usually some of the best sources of information. Ask the neighbors about a reputable pond builder and start there.

Best of luck, post pictures and questions when you can.

If you would like to see my tank send me an IM. I am 5 miles SE of Thorndale