Ponds
Why Build One?
Some of the practical reasons include the following: livestock watering, irrigation, fire protection, and fish production. Many ponds are built for recreation, wildlife habitat, and for enhancement of the landscape. Although a pond may have multiple uses, some are incompatible, such as irrigation and recreation. It's important to think through these considerations early in the planning stage.
Deaton's pond in Perry Township,
in the process of filling
Two Types of Ponds
A pond is either an embankment or an excavated type, depending on the surrounding landforms. If your site is rather flat, then a simple excavation is needed. If the area is very sloping, you can construct an embankment (dam) across a watercourse, draw, or stream. Embankment type ponds are a little more complicated, because an outlet pipe and spillway is needed to safely handle the overflow from large storms. Depending on the dam's dimensions, a permit may be required from The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water.
Drainage Area
The pond site needs to be located such that there is an area of land above it that directs water runoff into the pond, keeping at the designed capacity. This area that drains into the pond is called the watershed. The ratio of watershed to pond area should be between six and thirty acres of drainage per one acre of pond. It's important to consider the landuses of the watershed, because it will affect the water quality of the pond. Some factors to consider might include any of the following: industrial runoff, agricultural pesticides or sedimentation, acid mine drainage, or failing septic systems. The best landuses for a watershed draining into your pond is forested or non-agricultural grassland.
Soils
Soils in the watershed have a major influence on how much water reaches your pond, because they determine how much soaks into the ground (infiltration), and how much of what types of plants grow in the watershed. Concerning the actual site of construction, the soil needs to contain at least 20% clay by weight, at a depth below excavation of three feet, to prevent excess seepage. If porous soils containing sand and gravel underlie a large part of the site, a clay "liner" will need to be brought in and compacted to prevent excess seepage.
Assistance Provided By Montgomery SWCD
For more detailed information concerning construction and management of ponds, we have in our office some excellent booklets and brochures. Also, we conduct an annual pond clinic each spring in May, and are now planning an annual fall fish sale in October.
Montgomery SWCD provides pond design services to Montgomery County residents free of charge. However, please bear in mind that the District's technical work load on various other projects is substantial. As of 2001, pond projects are not begun until after the construction season on waterways ends October 1st. The following is the procedure that is followed when you come into our office to request technical assistance to build a pond:
1. District completes
conservation assistance request form.
2. Technician visits proposed site.
3. Technician observes test holes (excavated by contractor hired by
landowner)
to see if there are any underlying porous
soils.
4. District and land owner sign pond assistance agreement (includes $100
deposit).
5. Technician conducts field survey.
6. Technician designs construction plan.
7. Land owner secures services of a contractor.
8. When construction complete, District certifies that construction was
completed
according to plan.
9. Land owner's deposit is refunded.
Vendors for Pond Management Supplies and Services
Montgomery SWCD does not endorse any particular vendor of products and services related to pond construction and management. However, here is a list of contact information for vendors who have supplied our office with some of their brochures.
-
Advanced Technical Aquatic Control - fish stocking, fish population surveys, fish and wildlife feeders, algae and aquatic weed control, water garden supplies, lake management supplies, aeration systems
1-888-998-POND (7663) www.atac.cc -
Fish Pro - fish stocking, lake management, research, consulting, aerators, fountains, chemicals for weed and algae control
(765) 288-1300 email: fishpro@usa.com -
Inspired By Nature - 'alternative' management methods, research, pond consultations, maintenance programs, fish stocking, water gardens, docks, aeration equipment
(419) 669-4084 www.ibnature.com -
Jones Fish and Lake Management - game fish stocking, aquatic weed management, aeration systems, water gardens
1-800-662-3474 www.jonesfish.com -
J. L. Becker Co. - aeration systems
(888) 380-9698 -
Stoney Creek Trout Farm - supplies for management of ponds, lakes, water gardens, and aquaculture facilities
1-800-448-3873