I've got an interesting problem with my pond (constructed Sept. '05). I've got a supply of running water coming out the back side of my dam. A leaky dam was my first thought, but I just don't think that's the case.
Last week we had full sun and temps in the 90's with fairly high humidity. I lost about 1/4" per day on a half acre pond. From my reading here, I'm thinking that's a pretty reasonable amount to lose to evaporation. Given the rate of flowing water below the dam, I would expect a much greater loss if it was in fact a leak.
This is leading me to believe I've got a spring down there. When the pond was constructed, a good 6-8 feet of dirt was removed from this area for use in the dam. I'm thinking that a spring was uncovered. We didn't have this flow of water previously. It's running down off my land and onto my neighbors place, making a mudhole down there, so I need to fix this.
The water coming up is very rusty, if that matters. I have contacted my contractor and he's been out to look at it and is monitoring the water level. He also took a sample out of the pond and from the flowing water. He claims he can have this tested and determine if the flowing water is coming from the pond. I'm skeptical that a test could tell him this. I'm waiting to hear back from him.
Any ideas on how to proceed?
Thanks,
Shawn
