Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Pond Inspection

My wife and I are considering buying a property
with a one acre pond. It is a residential property with the pond that was built in 1986.
It has a fountain that does not work. It has a
well that is used to feed the pond. The owner hasn't been able to supply much information. Although, we were told that the pond lowers pretty rapidly(we don't know how fast) if the well pump is turned off. We'd like to know who we can contact or how to determine the condition of the pond.

Some bad signs here. Call your county agent and see if he can send someone out. Some things you've got to find out: What size is the pump feeding the well. If it's not 3 hp it'll be hard to keep up., What is the utility cost when the well runs all the time, this can be outrageous. It's obviously got bad leakage and you make be looking out your window at a big mud hole one day. Also, the water coming out of the well has no oxygen unless it's exposed to air before it goes into the pond, bad for fish. Even if you drain and redig you don't know the clay consistency for holding water.
I'd look for another house.

Mike,
Thanks for taking time to e-mail me direct, and the follow-up phone call.
Based on the answers you provided, it sounds like the pond will be an asset, not a liability. I would try to calculate water flow from the pond, so you will know what to expect from it during dry months. And, you will want to know the utility bills.
Since the slopes of this pond are proper, aquatic plants don't seem to be an issue. And, believe me, if plants were a nuisance, you would know it in July.
Best of luck to you. Let us know if we can help.