Hello, I would like to build a pond for the first time. My equipment is an 18K excavator, 5 yard dump truck plus I have a 3" dewatering pump. The site chosen is a very wet area with a high water table. Last summer during a very dry spell I dug two test pits to 12 ft deep and it filled with water to within 2ft of the surface. The top layer is approximately 6 to 8" of a very rich soil . The rest is all sand of various colors and types. No clay at the location. It is not needed. I plan on digging this in the middle of a dry spell. I will scrape off the rich soil and dig hopefully to 15ft at the deepest point. Total area will be around 7000 sq ft. Please look at the pics which were taken last summer and be free with any advice.
My local DNR gave me books on proper pond digging. If you plan on having fish, a deep pond is better than a larger surface area pond. And do a natural shape, no squares or ovals.
Myself like to have some shape to the look. Like snrubs wife calls it character. When my is done I want to have smooth contours all around. I do realize that also means more shoreline. Which in turns is more to manage. I mow right up to the edge of it so I dont want steep banks. If my water drips I want to be able to mow it always right up to the edge. As always to each their own. I do love some others in her which have virtually zero bank access. Be sure to build it around what you want at the end. So much easier than going back and have it redone.
