Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help pond is drying up...help

i have recently moved to a new home with an existing pond on the property. according to its history the pond has been in existence for over a hundred years. over the last two months the pond has dropped in water by about five feet. i really dont know alot about ponds and really hate that this is happening can anyone help as far as what i should do or look for as far as the problem or maybe who i should consult. there is a spillway next to the dam should i start there? any help would be appreciated.

Hello, jack, and welcome to the Forum. Sorry it's not under happier circumstances.

Five feet of water loss sounds like a leak or seep. this could possibly have developed recently or may be an old problem showing up during the warm, dry(er) season (how has your rainfall been the last couple of months, compared with before?). Any prior history of low water levels from neighbors, etc., might help figure that out.

Are there any really wet or mushy areas below the dam? Are there any trees on the dam? If so, how big are they and what condition are they in? Tree roots, especially when disturbed or decaying, can be the cause of leaks on dams.

Muskrats and beaver can dig holes into the dam also. Any varmint problems or signs like eaten fish or chewed trees?

Could it be a water table pond and just falling with the water table? What kind of soil is it dug into.

thanks guys...it seems that my problem is due to several factors...a leaking spillway and simply drought. records show that the pond levels have fluctuated this way before. the spillway is being being mended now. wish me luck. thanks again!

Hey jack...and welcome.
A good list of questions to be considered have already been presented. Do us the honor of a few pics of the overall situation. Include details of the spillway problem and plans to remedy. We might be able to throw some food for thought into your reconstruction plan that may be helpful. Before is always more affordable than after.