By dam, I mean the earthen or concrete structure that holds the water back. It impounds the water that is contained in the hole in the ground.

Another consideration is the stream. If a neighbor builds a dam upstream, it can cut off your water supply. In some areas of the US, that is illegal.

I once heard a saying that we all live downstream from somebody. Who and what is upstream? This can effect water quality. I am aware of a housing development that surrounds a 80 to 100 acre lake. It was once renowned for having the best fishing in that part of Texas. Then, someone upstream built a chicken raising operation. The effluent coming downstream has made a toxic mess of the water in the lake. I wouldn't want to live there.

Most US streams have fish of some kind so you can check on that. Does the creek/stream ever dry up? Are springs shallow or deep? Do they ever stop flowing?

I would ask the agent or present owner to provide a history of the pond. This would include age, any past fish stockings, depth(s), work and maintenance that has been done, etc. What happens in the case of heavy rains? Was the pond/lake/body of water built for flood control, watering livestock, or enjoyment. Has the present owner used the land for raising of farm animals?

How close is the dwelling to the pond? That can sometimes be a consideration as regards to safety. It can also effect the dwelling if it's too close.

Since it is both spring and stream fed, you will have what we call a flow through pond. Water continuously enters and leaves.

I understand that it has been a little cold in Europe. Yeah, I know that's an understatement. Therefore you will not, at this time, be able to determine what kinds of vegetation, if any, grows in the pond. Pond weeds generally(at least in the US) die back in the winter and flourish again when warm weather returns. These can be unsightly and expensive to control. Are there any photos of the pond during warm weather? If the water is deep, rooted weeds have a problem getting enough sunlight to grow and propagate. If the whole thing is shallow you might wind up with a big mess.

I know very little about the soils there. However, I would also get a soil test done. Will the soil support native or improved grasses?

A 2 acre pond on 17 acres(if my math is right) is a significant feature of any property. You are certainly right to be asking questions.

If you are interested in the place, I would definitely meet or at least check out the neighbors. They can be a source of pleasure, friendship or nightmare.

Get Lusks book ASAP. He's the master and I'm just a pond junkie.

Last edited by Dave Davidson1; 02/28/12 06:25 AM.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa