Mark A.

Lufkin, Texas is located in quadrangle 613 of Texas water map located at following site. It will tell you monthly and annual data for evaporation and precipitation for your region.

http://hyper20.twdb.state.tx.us/Evaporation/parseevap.cgi?quad=613&options=ET&submi t=SUBMIT

I echo Bob's sentiments that your numbers don't sound particularly disturbing for a new body of water. Initial seepage will form a hydrologic "bubble" under your pond which will lessen your future water loss as will compaction of bottom sediments from the weight of your water. A major factor affecting evaporation is wind. More wind action increases the air/water interface. This increased surface area dramatically increases overall evaporation rates.

Hang in there. You'll know a lot more in a couple of years.

Holding a redear sunfish is like running with scissors.