Common Problems With Farm Ponds

Introduction   |   Fish Kills   |   Muddy Water   |    Leaking Ponds   |   Wildlife

Leaking Ponds

• Page 1 - Leaking Ponds
• Page 2 - Compaction
• Page 3 - Clay Blankets
• Page 4 - Bentonite
• Page 5 - Chemical Additives
• Page 6 - Waterproofed Linings

Click here for a printable version of this publication: Sealing Leaking Ponds

Compaction

Some pond areas can be made relatively impervious by compaction if the material has different particle sizes--small gravel or coarse sand to fine sand--and enough clay (usually 10 percent or more) and silt to effect a seal. This is the least expensive method of those presented in this website. Compaction, however, is limited to these specific soil conditions and by the depth of water to be impounded.

The procedure is simple. Clear the pond area of all trees and other vegetation. Fill all stump holes, crevices, and similar areas with impervious material. Scarify the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches with a disk, rototiller, pulverizer, or similar equipment. Remove all rocks and tree roots. Roll the loosened soil under optimum moisture conditions to a dense, tight layer with four to six passes of a sheepsfoot roller.

Make the compacted seal no less than 8 inches thick to impound areas where the depth is 10 feet or less. Since seepage losses vary directly with the depth of water impounded over an area, increase the thickness of the compacted seal proportionately if the depth of water impounded exceeds 10 feet. Compact the soils in two or more layers, with each layer not exceeding 8 inches in that section of the pond where the water depth exceeds 10 feet. Remove and stockpile the top layer or layers while the bottom layer is being compacted.

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