Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Soil questions Pond Leaking

I have been reading through past topics trying to better understand on fixing a leaking pond, which I found a lot of help on. I am seeking advise on locating the leak. I assume the pond has to be drained and look for areas of un suitable soil.? I am in Northern IL, it is a man made pond. I do not know the age of the pond, any advise would be greatly appreciated. I also have a 4' 15' x 20' garden pond with a liner and I cannot find the leak, it drops 6" - 8" a day and then there are days it takes 2-3 days for it to drop. I don't get it.

Merl,

I have more questions than answers. Is your pond excavated or is it an embankment pond? If its an enbankment pond, and the problem is with the dam, there are a number of variables that could cause you problems.

Animals, i.e. muskrats, have been known to cause problems with dams. Vegetation is another concern. You do not want trees growing on a dam. Structural integrity of the dam relates to what type of materials and equipment were used during its construction.

Does the pond have a drain pipe? If so, do you see any seepage around the outlet? If so, the seep collar, if one was installed, may be defective. If you have a drain pipe and you see leakage coming from the outlet, perhaps you have a damaged standpipe or control valve.

Not to muddy the waters anymore but you also have soils to contend with.

If possible, try to find out the history of the pond. Perhaps the previous owner can address your problem. Try to find out who the original contractor was and ask them. Ask the neighbors, maybe they might be able to help.

Good luck with solving your problem.

Russ

Hi Russ,
It is a excavated pond. I am trying to find out who was the excavator...not much luck. I was at the pond today and measured the distance around, which is 400'. It has a mild slope to the bank. From what I have been told it has been down/leaking for several years. It appears to be roughly 4' deep at the moment. It is roughly 12'-15' low. It does not have any drain pipe that I can find, it is way to low for it be fuctional anyway. It does appear to have a fair amount of organic material and weeds and grass growing on the banks. It maintains the 4' level at this point. Should I try scraping the sides of the banks applying bentonite.?

Merl,

If the water holds at its current level (4'), I would inspect the perimeter of your pond at this point. Without knowing the composition of your soils or site topography, perhaps you have a seam that is allowing water to escape.
What is the depth to water table in your area? Your county should have soils map info you could research. Has there been any activity in your area that may have had an impact on the water table or whatever water source feeds the pond?

I'm just a pond owner and not a builder. I have no experience with sealers or liners so I can't address that issue.

Keep us posted and good luck.

Russ