I had a dozer come in and make the berm around the pond and shape everything else.. The berm is around the back half of the pond and is about 25 feet wide and about 3-4 feet tall. The front half of the pond if open. But I will say my entire backyard soil level was raised about 12" total because we used the soil that came out of the pond to spread elsewere. but the top of pond is pretty much the same level as the ground used to be. It wasn't built up or down into the ground, which maybe it should have been dug into the ground more, I don't know. The water level is about 4 feet below to were I would consider filled up to the top.. Like I said the water level was filled up about a month ago after a few torrential down pours but has since dropped. I have a couple pole barns within 100 feet of the pond, I am thinking about running the downspouts underground and having them empty in the pond. Just tring to think of ways to get more water in the pond... I will try and have patience, I think you right..