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

Clay Blankets

Pond areas containing high percentages of coarse-grained soils but lacking enough clay to prevent excessive seepage often can be sealed by blanketing. Blanket the upstream slope of the embankment and the entire area over which water is to be impounded. Make the blanket consist of a well-graded material containing at least 20 percent clay. You can usually obtain material for the blanket from a borrow area close enough to the pond to permit hauling at a reasonable cost.

Thickness of the blanket depends on the depth of the water to be impounded. The minimum thickness is 12 inches for all depths of water up to 10 feet. Increase this thickness by 2 inches for each foot of water more than 10 feet.

Remove all trees and other vegetation. Fill all holes and crevices before hauling earth material from the borrow area to the pond site in tractor-pulled wheeled scrapers or similar equipment. Spread the material uniformly over the area in layers 6 to 8 inches thick. Compact each layer thoroughly, under optimum moisture conditions, by four to six passes of a sheepsfoot roller before placing the next layer.

Protect clay blankets against cracking that results from drying and against rupture caused by freezing and thawing. Spread a cover of gravel 12 to 18 inches thick over the blanket below the anticipated high water level. Use rock riprap or other suitable material to protect areas where the water flow into the pond is concentrated.

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