Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site Newbie - Natural Spring Question

I am new to pond building. I have bought "Perfect Pond - Want One?" by Mr. Lusk and Mr. Otto. I have found it very informative and highly recommend it. It appears that they are my neighbors just across the river. My first question as I start compiling information about my site is - Will the natural spring that will be partially submerged at the shallow end of my pond cease to flow if it is under water or will it force water back up to the source of the spring or will it be of no concern??? About a year ago for fun I used my small tractor to build a dam below where my permanent dam will be and within two days the spring filled a 4 foot deep area. This area also will have 30 acres of terraced runoff water. Water supply is not an issue. Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated as I proceed with this project? Picture to follow I love this forum, best thing that could have happened to me!

Hey, polevaulter, welcome to the forum! Sounds like you're off to a good start with having the book and doing some research and now asking questions. I don't have a lot to share on your questions as I don't know much about pond building, but I will offer one thought.

Typically, it's not a good idea to have a spring inside of your pond's borders. While the spring can readily help fill your pond up, in times of drought and lowered water table, that spring that giveth will become a siphon that taketh away. Just keep in mind that it is a two-way water feature. With that said, if you can build away from it and let it run over a man made creek or some such thing to route it to your pond from outside the pond's boundaries, you could have a wonderful source to keep your pond full.

Again, welcome to the forum and just hang on for more feedback.

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Thanks for the reply. That was my gut feeling about the spring. If I locate the dam further down the draw, I start getting into rock. That scares me. I think this is my only option to expose the spring. I will keep studying and try to get professional help. Probably can not get started until next year. Any other thoughts appreciated. I realize the pic above is not very good. Maybe I can add some better later.

I'd give Otto's Dirt Service a call. Mike is good with building ponds. Maybe they can dig back into the spring and get it up above the pond?

I also have a natural spring at the shallow end of my pond. I don't know what your topography is like, but based on my experience you will have better success if the spring is at the bottom of a hill. If the head pressure on the spring is high, it is not as likely to go backwards. If your land relatively flat, you may have problems. Water typically won't go uphill, but it will find the path of least resistance.