Scott, sorry for all of your problems. I follow closely because I might be dealing with a similar situation. I have redone mine twice, and hopefully it will hold water this time. Don't know yet if mine is a ground water pond, but I don't think so. I'll know this summer. Right now with the rain and pumping water from a nearby creek , I'm about 60-70% full. Hope all goes well - it really is a pretty pond...