Let’s focus towards a farm pond. One large enough that you will need equipment to dig it.
For an Example of a water garden or Koi pond being 20’ round or square to a depth of 5’ that would be a lot of shoveling.
You could rent or contract out the major part of the digging, and be able to work with a wheel barrow and shovels for backyard ponds and water gardens.
We’ll get in more detail about tools and equipment in the future.
Back to a farm pond, say 50’ square (¼ acre), round or what ever shape you would like.
Even if it’s 2 to 5 acres in size these principals are the same.
Location, location, location is the biggest factor.
Ideally this would be a low spot on the property, even a slow grade where the pond can be dug out and the diggings be used for the dam.
When we start digging and pushing out the dirt, the goal is to have just enough dirt to build the dam, bring the surrounding area up to grade and have enough left over for landscaping.
This will help to keep the cost down by not having to transport the left over fill.
Next is there enough clean water shed to supply the pond, from a wooded area or a grassy field. You do not want a framer’s field above the pond as that will allow silt, fertilizer and other unwanted things entering or filling up the pond. Sources of water can be from underground springs, small seeps or part of a small stream.
Look at the down hill side of where you want the pond.
Is there anything that could be damaged from the out flow from the pond? The neighbor’s yard, house or road will be some things to look out for.
Now with these few things in mind where is the pond located.
Hopefully it is down hill from your own house. Two reasons, one, for some unforeseen accident happens and the dam breaks, there is a good chance of flooding the house. Next is a location that can be seen and enjoyed from the house. Also take in think about when you come home from work. Can you see it? You may or may not want people seeing it when they drive down the road. Depends what you want to do at the pond, with options of Fishing, swimming, relaxing, or water supply for the garden or the house.
Ponds of this size should be a good distance from the house. The full pond will have great ground pressure and could cause underground streams to be diverted and may end up with a leaky basement.
Let’s recap.
We have:
Checked with the powers to be and got the approvals or permit.
Found that we have a source of clean water or run off from rain, or springs in the watershed.
The location for the pond is in a safe area to protect your home and property below the pond’s spillway is protected.