How to Build a Farm Pond

By Jan Barber

If you live in a suburban or rural area you may want to add a pond. Ponds can reduce your fire insurance fees, if pond is not too far from the house and increase your property value. And can provide water for livestock, as well as, a recreational, relaxing area for picnics, swimming and fishing.

In some regions there may be codes that have to be followed regarding pond construction. This should be investigated before making any plans. Once this has been accomplished it is time to begin. Picking the site is of utmost importance, if you want a pond that stays full of water. If there is a spring or springs that can be channeled for a steady water supply all the better. Care must be taken not to stop the flow from the spring in the process, often too much digging can interfere with it.

If you have owned your property for a period of time, you should be aware of the natural water courses
during heavy rains. This will help to determine the best site for your pond and its size. Larger ponds that can be kept filled by continual rain runoff are nearly maintenance free after construction. Pond sizes vary greatly, but while doing the initial investment of time and money , you are far better off going bigger rather than smaller. The deeper the pond, at least in some portion of it, twenty feet is good depth, the better.

Hiring a bulldozer operator who often builds ponds is a great advantage to the novice. Also friends or family with some expertise will make the project go more easily, with a more satisfactory outcome. Summer and early fall is the ideal time to clear the land and dig the pond to desired proportions.

Spillways or a center overflow pipe drain can be installed to desired water level when filled, all of which are done early on in the construction. You may want to dig a boat ramp type area for easy access to the pond and wide enough that you can later put in some sand at the edge for wading by the children. (A simple tip that really works-often your pond will seep water and decrease its water levels, so by getting ducks and or geese you can solve that drainage problem from the bottom of pond. The animal droppings act in the pond, just like stop leak in your radiator.) They will help keep snakes cleared away from the pond as an added benefit and look so peaceful floating along top of water. Snakes can be a hazard in southern states where there are poisonous water snakes. Products are available to help prevent unwanted visitors.