Jesse,

That looks like a beautiful spot for your pond!

A 60'x60' pond is about .08 acres. 24,000 gallons of water should raise your pond level by 10.5". You definitely have a significant leak.

Did you guys build the pond, or was it there when you bought the property? The reason I ask, is that a small pond in good clay SHOULD NOT leak that much.

One potential culprit for your leak is where the water supply pipe comes in through the berm. It is difficult to perfectly compact hard red clay back in around a pipe after it is installed in a pond wall or dam. The common solution is to install one or two anti-seep collars.

When the pond reaches its maximum level and you are putting in water every day, you should be able to walk around the pond and find some evidence of a leak. Damp ground or maybe just a patch of robust looking plants might be all that you can observe. However, look closely around the area of your water supply pipe to see if that is the source of your leak.

The collection of recent pine needles in the pond should not contribute to a leak. However, if there were pine needles mixed with the clay during the original construction of the pond, then you are correct - that could lead to a leak. When the pine needles decayed they could have left a pathway for water to migrate through your berm.

Do you guys have access to even light equipment? If the problem is just a poor seal after the initial construction, then you MIGHT be able to seal it by ripping the clay with a box blade on a tractor, then wetting the clay, and then re-compacting with an affordable plate-type or jumping jack type of compactor.

esshup's comment above to consult with TJ is always excellent advice. TJ is very helpful and has assisted lots of people in getting their ponds sealed.

Good luck on your project!