Hi - I'm new to the forum - have been reading a lot and appreciate the feedback that everyone gives so wanted to get a little input on my new pond's location. Looking to put in a 1.5 acre pond and have two locations as options. one in fed by a small spring (probably only a few gallons a min flow rate) and has a natural pinch point so would only require a small dam (maybe 75ft at most) but it is also near a railroad (figure it may be high hazard classification) and also would need to clear woods about 2-3 acres worth for it - it has about 35 acres of watershed. The other location is in a pasture with 20 acres of watershed but no natural spring and would probably need about a 200ft dam - it is much closer to house and power (thought about putting in well to help maintain water levels in dryer seasons). Guess my main concern with the pasture location is the lack of a natural water source and the fewer acres of watershed, what are your thoughts - should that be a deal breaker? (also don't want to have to deal with high hazard as it seems like it may cost a lot of time and money).

Thanks for your input!

"one in fed by a small spring (probably only a few gallons a min flow rate) and has a natural pinch point so would only require a small dam (maybe 75ft at most) but it is also near a railroad (figure it may be high hazard classification)"

Step 1 is ALWAYS to determine what the regulations require/allow.

In my state (Kansas) the hazard classifications are based in part on the height of the dam and the acre-feet of water that is impounded.

I think your first location sounds better for a pond. My advice would be to find out the regulations, and then to design your pond for your conditions AND to fit just under the hazard thresholds.

I would also build the pond at a lower elevation than the spring (if viable). When a spring is in the side or bottom of your pond, then the spring both giveth and taketh away. You probably want the spring to trickle into the pond above your full pool water line.

Good luck on your new project!

I am under both dam height and impounded water but we have another thing to follow in NC - risk if dam failure cause loss of life or damage to property (railroad). Spring starts above where the pond level would be so hopefully wouldn't have the issue of it taking water form pond.

Welcome. Myself I love my pond close to the house (50 foot). Some want it out of sight from the road. It looks like yours would be seen on the other option from the houses across from the railroad tracks. Its hard to tell from the layout without being there. Do you want it visible from your house or a small walk or ride to the other?

I'd like to see it from the house - so the pasture one I think would be my first choice - if it is reasonable to do so.

Heres a quick view of the image from above. Is your house already here or ae you building on this lot?

My house is already there - just north east of the pasture pond location. The pasture has a nature valley at that location and a decent watershed which is why we picked that location. Anyone had luck with maintain pond levels with a well? I've seen some sites say it can cause fish die off issues if water parameters are way out between pond and well but thought if it is ran frequently and not just when water levels are low it might counter act that issue.

Wells work to maintain pond levels. However you have to pay to dig one and then you have to pay for the electricity to run it.

I think I would go with the pasture so you can keep an eye on it. The other area might get a lot of unwanted visitors and you wouldn't even know it. Around here, 20 acres would be in range for 1.5 acre pond.

That pasture pond area looks great to me, like Bobbss said thats a pretty normal acre to pond size ratio around here, but the biggest thing is I think that body of water visible from the house will increase your property value more then one that is hid, almost everybody likes water.

Anyone in the central NC area know of a good pond builder? I have one guy that built a pond for the family about 30 years ago but want to get a second quote too (still trying to get the first guy out here too)