I'm a little over a year out from having a pond (currently a dirt pit) constructed on my property. Pond location had an existing "cattle pond" that was built into the beginning of a ravine. We had this cleared out and made into a much larger (close to 1acre) pond. After not holding water, I had the local NRCS agent come out to take a look. Soil borings show very a sandy loam with minimal clay and has given us a recommendation of 1-1.5 lb/ft^2 of bentonite clay. Comparing the cost of the bentonite, hauling in local clay, and liner, the bentonite is looking to be the most cost effective option. That being said, in reading many different comments on various sites, I feel there is risk. The sides of the pond are pretty steep and I dont have a way to fill on my own so I will be rain dependent. I am concerned about loosing the bentonite layer on the side walls and then will be chasing leaks for years. Looking for some guidance/advise from those experienced with bentonite.
