Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Leaking Pond- advise needed

In 2006 I hired an excavator to dig a pond for me. Approximately one acre. From its original grade, we dug down approximately 5' then built the levy up from there. This is about another 8 feet bringing the lake depth from to about 10-12 feet. The soil was extremely hard clay. So much that it would stall the very large tractor pulling the pan scraper. When done, there were two spots where I noticed a vein of sand about 6" wide across the bottom of the pond which I tilled in sodium bentonite over these areas. The pond level was very erratic. In 2007 we had a long drought where the the pond went dry. I had the gentleman come back where we dug down further (3') and then return the clay soil back while using a sheep foot to create a 3'clay blanket covering the bottom of the pond. In spring 2008, the pond completely filled however began dropping quickly. It stopped at the point where the original ground level was prior to excavation. It is holding that level regardless of the amount of rain we get. I have searched around the lake for excessive wet spots to no avail. Can anyone give me a checklist of things that I can do to correct?

It sounds as if you did pretty much all you could to seal the pond. How does it get water? from runoff or what? You may not have a leak. All new ponds will wick into the soil until it is completly saturated. Has it filled up only once sense you fixed it and then dropped? If so I would wait and see to make sure it is just not wetted good yet.

Welcome to Pond Boss Parker, we're glad you found us.

Bump to the top for ya.

Until some dirt guys chime in, it sounds like it may be leaking between the dam and original land. I assume there was a core and the top soil/plant growth was removed all along the base of the dam? If the clay was too dry, it probably left cracks.
Wait for the experts.

I had a soil guy come out and found out what was wrong. I am apparently in the Mississippi Glacier melt or something along those lines. What I thought was clay was a silt matter. The core sample below my water line showed 20-25% clay which was holding water. At the water level that I can't seem to surpass is this silt. I have no specific leak other than everywhere at that level. He suggested that I put sodium bentonite in as high as I want the water to go. Also to cover down into the bottom to make sure that it doesn't well up from pressure. Now I need to find a Semi Load of Bentonite that will deliver to Southern Illinois. Any suggestions from the experts. Bulk suppliers that are local?

Welcome to he forum! Sorry it is under these circumstances. First, see if the local NRCS agent at your county USDA office can do core samples around the pond to find some good clay to compact and tie into the existing clay.

Check out the CHEAP unscented Kitty Litters at Wal-Mart. It is usually sodium bentonite and a whole lot cheaper. Maybe the manager can cut you a deall and arrange for the load to be delivered to you.

You might want to do a search of the forum members and look up Mongo. He is an excellent Illinois pond builder.

Parker09

Did you ever find a supplier of bulk bentonite? I may be in a similiar situation this summer and have been looking around but haven't had much luck. I can find 50lb bags but they are $7.33 a bag and then shipping gets expensive

Ask a local well driller where he gets bentonite from?