Subject line says it all....well, mostly. I did a search for draining ponds/lakes and it seems that everyone knows how to do it already, but for the layman like myself...

How is it done? What do you need to be aware of when doing it? I'm assuming you would use some sort of pump or syphon system, assuming you don't cut the dam, but how is that done? Also, should you drain it slowly so that you don't flood land that isn't yours? If someone could explain the basics of draining a pond/lake, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!