Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Filling Question

I'm new here so please be patient. I had a 1 1/2 acre pond dug about 2 months ago and it was filling slowly until we got about 5 inches of rain the other day. Went up about 2 or so feet. Here's my question. I put a marker where the water level was after it quit raining and I have noticed about 1/2 inch drop a day since for about 3 days now. Is this normal? or is it leaking already? I thought maybe since it went up so fast that it is soaking in to saturate the ground to that level? Please help.

Welcome jason, I wouldn't worry too much about that rate of drop with a new pond. You seem to have a good handle on it.
Once we start filling all we can do is wait & see anyway.

Jason,
First off, welcome. What area of the 1.5 acres is covered with water? I did some math when my pond (almost half acre) was leaking. I was losing 1 inch in 24 hrs. which figured out to be about 10,000 gallons. Thats over 400 gallons per hr. (7 gallons per minute). If your anywhere close to that I would check the bottom for a leak. I hate to deliver gloom and doom but, do something about it now and you won't be disapointed later. I speak from experience. Again, welcome. There's a wealth of information here on all pond related topics.

John

Thanks for the advice so far. I would say about a quarter acre is covered so far.

Welcome, Jason! You'll get tons of great support and knowledge form the folks here. While I am not experienced with your sort of situation myself, I have read numerous posts here that suggest that sort of decrease is pretty common in new ponds as the ground absorbs water and finds its "equilibrium." You're probably doing okay, but definitely watch it for any more drastic change. Good luck and, again, welcome.

Jason, often time newly dug ponds will suck up quite a bit of water until the underlying soil becomes completely saturated. This is what it sounds like it happening to your pond. Fast rain followed by a couple inch loss is to be expected... However, I am not dirt expert.

Mine went down also as it filled. I could see the waterline on the side of my dam and was very concerned that it was leaking. Upon further review, examing the gov. soil reports for my area, the clay that I have will allow water to permeate approx 8" down. Also, the loose soil on the dam will absorb quite a bit. Let it settle and I think you will be OK.

Hi Jason,welcome aboard.Im no expert either,but from what Ive learned here,unless you see a leak behind the dam,I wouldnt worry to much until it fills and the ground gets saturated.If it helps ease your mind,talk to the man who dug it for you and see what he says.Please keep us posted on your progress and if possible,post pics...we like pics.

This site is great and yes that's all I was trying to do is ease my mind a little. Always wanted a pond and we bought this property with that in mind. I will post pics soon. Thanks everyone!

Hello Jason and welcome to Pond Boss. So tell us a little about your pond, what species of fish are you interested in? What are your goals for the pond? Thanks for joining in and posting, that is what this site is all about.

Well I'm thinking catfish for sure. Hybrid bluegill and some bass. I have put 15 pounds of fatheads in just last weekend and only lost about 10 in a one hour drive in 3 coolers. I'm going to use the pond for fishing but also some recreation for the kids (beach). Right now its pretty bare, so I'm wanting to get some trees planted around it. When the pond was dug we cut some shelves in but I could use some advice on some more structure. I always heard christmas trees work well? Any advice?

Tie milk crates together, cinder blocks, PVC models, bricks, pretty much anything will work good

Welcome Jason! Pictures please? These guys are visually stimulated. You have got to give them pics.

It's not just us guys on the forums that are visually stimulated Anna. I'll let you in on a big secret. Virtually every man on the planet is visually stimulated. That's why bikinis were invented.

ok since everyone heped out so much on my last question, heres another...wanting to put a dock in before the pond fills....whats the best post to use? 4 x4 treated ok? dig down 2 ft put a little concrete, then the post, then fill with good clay? anyone have any suggestions?

That question might be better answered by answering this question: How are you planning on attaching the stringers to the posts?

Well I thought maybe I could just bolt them with galvanized bolts.

If you are going to use treated wood, then the galvanized won't work so well. The new treating is more aggressive towards it. They are recommending stainless fastners now, or specially treated ones.

We've used 2" galvanized pipe that was pounded or washed into the lake bottom. We installed the pipe and pier during the winter, working on top of the ice. Easy to get everything level that way. We ran pipe horizontal as well and laid the stringers on top of the horizontal pipes. It's been in the lake since 1974.