Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Water chemistry Well water to compensate for evaporation

I have a new 1.25 acre pond in southeast Louisiana dug 15 months ago. It almost filled but we had an extremely dry summer and fall so it dropped several feet. I talked to neighbors in the area and they tell me their ponds were at their lowest in decades so i don't feel too bad that it hasn't filled. I should be pretty close to full with recent and upcoming rains but I'm wondering if using well water to help control water depth is a viable option. I ran the numbers and I would have to run my pump for close to 12 hours to replace 1/4 inch of evaporation. Im willing to do that to maintain a consistent water level but am worried about water chemistry. Does anyone have any experience with this? I just stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and red ear sunfish a month ago and don't want to do anything to cause problems.

What kind of flow is your well capable of, as-in how many gpm??

Hey Barry,
I've looked into using my well to help keep my little pond full and this is what info I can pass on...
1) Test your water first to insure there arent any unwanted minerals, but if it's the water you're supplying your house with, chances are it's fine. You need to verify the ph, to determine if you may need to add lime to help stabilize it.
2) Well water is virtually devoid of O2, so you'll need to either install a venturi, have the water enter the pond above the surface so it can be at least minimally oxygenated, or install an aerator system to help mix and aerate the pond.
3) You should have at least a 3/4 hp pump to handle the load. My well is fitted with a 1 hp submersible. When using the well, you need to set your flow to maintain around 40-50 psi on your tank. This will keep the pump running continuously, which is easier on the pump. You dont want it to be constantly kicking on and off, as this will create excessive wear on the pump. Your tank should have a pressure gauge to allow you to set your flow and monitor. This will also prevent you from cutting into your household supply.

I lost about 16 inches last year thru evaporation, and my watershed fills it up rather quickly. But with new vegetation starting to take hold in shallow water, I'll likely look into actually installing a 1.25 pipe from my well to the pond this year, so I can keep them wet.

Welcome....hope this helps

Currently 10 gpm rating but i am looking at going to 20 gpm rating if needed. I was thinking try this pump first before I buy another. Any thoughts?

Thanks Mike I plan plan on using 1 1/2 pipe since I already have it most of the way to the pond

That should work fine. It'll give you good flow and make it easy to regulate, but you may want to step the last few feet down to say 1 inch. A plug with holes drilled in it to create a spray would also provide some aeration.

Great idea - thanks