That could be a real problem leaching if it were in the back yard, but the tank is in the front yard -- on a slope going away on the south side (but if it overfilled -- yes it would end up in the pond) and I'll now drain it yearly. We have about 100 yards between us and the road and I don't know why they did not put the septic in the back yard, but luckily they didn't. But yes, I do worry about it, but what is a wannabe pond owner to do? Any other precautions you would take?

The pond is not nearly as close to the house as it looks in those photos. I'd say the closest is 40 to 50 yards and the bottom of the basement is above the water level. From the back door going toward the dam it is more like 60-70 yards. I'll try to get a photo from the back door facing the dam.