I am looking seriously at buying a very small farm. The price is right but the property needs so much work(it was foreclosed on, they totally trashed the place, all the classic fix'm up stuff from TV).

Anyhow, I know next to nothing about ponds except that I like to fish them. This place does have a pond on it.

However what are things I need to look for in the pond (we are going to be asking for LOTTS of credits) to understand what state it is in. As in , its is viable, is it supporting life, how deep is it, is it polluted, is it spring fed or just deep enough that water from rain has settled there. I am sure there are books I could read but with all the other stuff and lack of time (is the roof leaking, will the electrical really work?) I just need to know the basics or how to find the basics out. Any help is greatly appreciated, and I am sure if/when we get this place I will be back with more questions about how to add water from the stream running by it(is that legal) and all the other fun stuff. I can also post pics after today if you would like.

thanks so much again..

chris