Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Evaporation Rate Winter

I just finished building a .70 acre pond. It's about 20 feet at the deepest point. The present water level is up around 4 feet. I've lost around 2.5" to 3" over the last two weeks. Temperatures during the day have been mid sixties to mid seventies, with a few days in the fiftys. Sunny 50% of this two week time frame. I hope this is evaporation? Any input would be appreciated. I live in East Texas...........

There's always soaking as a new pond fills. Dry soils wick water, so don't be alarmed, yet. Evaporation rates during hot summer months in your area might approach an inch every three days.
Evaporation is a function of humidity as well as temperature. I have seen as much water disappear from a pond in winter sometimes as summer, when humidity is low.
It's probably not evaporation as much as wicking. Stay alert, not necessarily alarmed.

Mark A.

Lufkin, Texas is located in quadrangle 613 of Texas water map located at following site. It will tell you monthly and annual data for evaporation and precipitation for your region.

http://hyper20.twdb.state.tx.us/Evaporation/parseevap.cgi?quad=613&options=ET&submi t=SUBMIT

I echo Bob's sentiments that your numbers don't sound particularly disturbing for a new body of water. Initial seepage will form a hydrologic "bubble" under your pond which will lessen your future water loss as will compaction of bottom sediments from the weight of your water. A major factor affecting evaporation is wind. More wind action increases the air/water interface. This increased surface area dramatically increases overall evaporation rates.

Hang in there. You'll know a lot more in a couple of years.

Thanks Bob and Bruce. I'm simply amazed at the broad knowledge and willingness to share information on pondboss. I was a little worried my pond was already leaking. It takes being unselfish to spend time responding to questions. Much obliged for your help!

Mark A.

I just built a pond here in southern Grayson County and have the same apprehension. (See "Question about Settling." Here's hoping our respective ponds don't leak. The responses to your query give me hope. Hang in there.