Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - Leaky Pond

Hello all,

We have a 1/2 acre pond that was dug in 1980. During construction, two sand pockets were found which were dug out and packed with clay. For 40 years the pond held water pretty well. About 5 years ago, the water level dropped about 2 feet and has never recovered, but it did maintain the lower level.
Last fall we had the pond dredged (suction method) and we lost another 2 feet, Since that time the level has remained at about 4 feet low.
We had an excavator look at the situation recently and were given a $20-$30K price to drain and reline the pond. I'm not sure I'm into spending that kind of cash for re-construction.
We have an unused well on the propery and he suggested that we use it to fill and maintain water level.
If we decide to go with that option, do we just drop a pump into the well and hook it up to a line (1-1/4 line already exists) and let it run? No pressure tank?
How do we determine pump size?
Or can you recommend a resource for me to contact?

Thanks
Steve

IMO your leak is in the upper 4 ft. That is the area that needs to be relined with clay and well compacted not the entire pond basin which may be cheaper than rebuilding the entire pond basin. However to get the job done correctly the pond may need to be drained.

For using the well IMO you first should know how fast the leak drains the pond. Any way to pump from a creek to fill it and measure rate of water loss?