Understanding Ponds

by Larry R. Sabata, Soil Scientist
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Topeka, Kansas

Many field offices in Kansas receive requests each year for assistance in either building new ponds or in repairing existing ponds. The Shawnee County Conservation District's web site at http://www.cjnetworks.com/~sccdistrict/pond.htm contains a very informative section that describes the general aspects of pond planning, building, and maintenance. It provides, in easy to understand terms, a very thorough introduction to ponds that is beneficial to both the planner and the landowner.

The subject area is titled "Pond Dams Built Right." It contains an opening section that describes the basic elements of a pond including definitions of all commonly used components of a pond. Other topics included in the section address pond maintenance, alternatives to consider when trying to seal a leaking pond, and a description of the processes used to replace worn or rusted pipe in an existing pond. Also available is a photo gallery that illustrates pond construction activities and maintenance concerns.

I would encourage anyone who has an interest in ponds to check out this excellent web site.

For more information about NRCS programs, visit the Kansas NRCS web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

This article is also available in Microsoft Word format.

Understanding Ponds (DOC; 25 KB)

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Last Modified: 09/09/2008