If you do not re-core the levee, you may be wasting your time. You could re-core behind the existing levee, if that is easier for you. The clay needs to be "dovetailed" into the existing clay below the surface.



This is our first self-built body of water. It is a wetland made to take runoff for a future barn, but currently has less watershed than the water surface area. The berm was stripped down to clay and a backhoe was used to excavate and repack a core in the same pass. Then clay was added in 6" lifts with each lift being compacted with a sheep's foot roller. Based on what we have seen, it holds water like a tub. I estimate the maximum depth at under 4 feet. Watershed is its only source of water.

Last edited by RAH; 05/13/17 09:25 AM.