My pond has got to be way down too Dave. I think we are in for a brutal year as far as pond water levels go.
Any idea about what is causing the PH swing? It looks like the PH rose steadily during the rainy season - was the PH increase caused by high PH water entering the pond from run off?
I vote for a well installation - ask your wife if I get a vote - that way it will be two against one.