Thank you for your service!! I built a 1/4 acre pond 7yrs ago and it filled to capacity the first winter. By July of the next yr it was 3' below capacity. Had I read enough on here I would have realized water seeping through the side about 3' down indicated a gravel or sandy seam. The original contractor is a real jerk (thanks Doug Wilson of Edgerton Oh) and refused to do anything. I was depressed for a couple yrs but have come to the realization that it is fine as it is. It's what is called a ground water level pond and the depth depends on the depth/pressure of the aquifer I live on. There is much fun and satisfaction in even a small and not so deep pond. No matter what ya do you are gonna be at the mercy of ol Ma nature. Ask the guys in Texas who endured many many ponds literally dry up just to struggle to deal with all the destructive floods this spring. Good luck and keep us posted.

Do nature a favor, spay/neuter your pets and any weird friends or relatives.