Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Leaking? pond

I had a one-acre pond dug last August that has not so far filled up. We had a big rain a couple of months ago that half filled it. Since that rain, I have lost about 14-16 inches of water, about 2 inches a week, maybe a bit less (rough estimate). Is this "normal" loss for a new pond, or can I anticipate its going dry and calling Mike Otto to fix it? The man who built the pond did so as part of a deal to clear a whole bunch of cedars, and he said that he was certain that it would hold water. He is very experienced in building ponds and lakes near our area. Thanks for any response to this, particularly hope.

Two inches a week isn't ordinarily much water to lose. But, I live close to you and we have had an exceptionally wet last few months. Soils are saturated. With the amount of rainfall we have had, if your watershed is large enough, the pond should be full. Secondly, if it is continuing to drop two inches per week, go behind the dam and see if you have standing water or moist soils. (More rain expected today through Tuesday) Study and watch for a while. If you get through spring rains, and your pond still isn't full and continues to drop two inches a week, then consider making changes. Yes, there is hope.

Thanks, Bob. I am determined to make it work one way or the other. I really appreciate your advice and input.

Lunker,

I wish you the best, but I've had a new pond dug an it is about 4 years old. The soil was very sandy to begin with and it still leaks. I've done just about everything you can think of. Nothing seems to work. Mine leaks about 1/2 inch a day. I finally drilled a well that can keep it at a constant level. I hope that you don't run into that problem. I wish I could find something that could help me find the source of the leak, Good Luck Tony B.

Panhandle,
You're pond sounds just about like mine. 1.5 Ac built 3 yrs ago by a guy whose built lots of ponds and was pretty sure it would'nt leak. It leaked from the first rain. I dugout the bottom and used alot of Bentonite and a sheepsfoot to no avail. Come to find out that it's the dam itself that leaks top to bottom. I dug a pit below the dam to collect the water and pump it back in. May sound silly but my pond is full and has been for over a year. I lose about an 1/2 inch or less a day. If we have normal rainfall for this area it will stay full. It's a bit of a mess on the back of the dam, impossible to mow with a tractor or rider, but it sure is a pretty pond.
Several people told me it takes awhile for them to seal but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.