Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Drought help.......should I pump bad water?

Good morning all!

I have a dilemma and I need some advice. We are in the worst drought we have had in 10 years here along the cost in DE. I have had 2.5 inches of rain since April1st. My pond has dropped 7 foot and I am down to the deep end only. The pond is 1/3 of its normal size. The pond is aerated 24/7 and I have cut my feeding in half but the water quality is good. We are shooting a well next month but it may be October before it has electric so it may be too little to late. I want to pump water from a tax ditch that is part of the watershed from 3 large poultry farms. I know this water is going to have a large nutrient load especially nitrogen and phosphors. The waste from the farms is spread on the fields that make up this watershed. 1. Do you think it will harm the pond? I feel that I may get a huge algae bloom but that is better than a dry hole. 2-What could the long term effects be? 3-Should I fill the pond in stages or just fill it? I am trying to hold out for rain but I am loosing hope and the situation is becoming desperate! I will be pumping the water 275 feet with a 3in trash pump. I have placed a small dam on the ditch and the water is clean and clear looking but it has a steady flow. There are a few places on the ditch that are still and the F/A is thick and ugly. Bad water has to be better than NO water…..right?
HELP!

I have no well, and have a contingency plan similar to yours. So I know exactly what you're facing.

If the water will keep your fish alive, it seems you have no choice. Wait until the last minute. I hope you get rain, and it isn't necessary.

If you are forced to use the overly-fertile water, chances are, you will get plenty of rain this fall and the water will return to normal.


Good luck!