Water conservation is essential in pond construction to protect the pond’s integrity. It’s also crucial in stocking and ensuring the pond’s health.
Excessive drainage areas can flush nutrients and microorganisms from the pond, thus reducing pond productivity. It can also erode the dam and spillway area.
Water Supply
When planning to build a pond, you must determine water availability. Four primary water sources exist surface runoff, streams, springs, and wells.
A dependable water source is essential in a healthy pond and can be the difference between a good or poor pond. You can test the water for quality by digging small basins near where you plan to build your pond.
You can also find out how much water is available by taking measurements of the flow in the spring, stream, or river at different times throughout the year.
Using surface runoff as your primary water supply can cause significant fluctuations in your pond level. It is also a sediment source and can be a disease breeding ground. A reliable spring can prevent these problems and provide a consistent water source for your pond.
Water Evaporation
One of the most important things to remember when building a pond is that the water needs to be healthy for the fish and plants. Clear, sterile water can cause problems, so ensuring a biologically stable water balance is essential.
Evaporation is when liquid water turns into a gas called water vapor. The evaporation rate depends on many factors, including temperature, barometric pressure, surface reflectivity, and microclimate.
A pond can lose as much as three inches of water per week, so taking readings and monitoring evaporation is essential. To ensure you can correctly implement the required water conservation strategies, consider how much water evaporates from a pond with a long stream or waterfall.
A few things can be done to help reduce evaporation and keep the water in your pond healthy. These include putting timers on your fountains and waterfalls and building windbreaks around your pond.
Water Quality
Water quality is an essential aspect of pond construction and maintenance. It impacts the health of a pond by affecting the nutrient content, water clarity, and overall water temperature.
Nutrients enter a pond from various sources, including fish food, septic tanks and drain fields, leaves, soil, and rainwater. Excessive nutrients can lead to algae growth and poor pond water quality.
Soil Types
The soil type on your pond site will determine its ability to hold water. It is a good idea to consult with a soil survey technician before you begin pond construction.
Underground Springs
The most reliable water source for a pond is underground springs, but you may need to find out where these exist. Some county NRCS or Soil and Water Conservation District offices can provide information about this.
If your pond has a filtration system, the filter must be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure the bacteria are alive and functioning properly. If not, the bacteria can die and cause an unhealthy environment in your pond.
Water Treatment
There are a variety of ways to keep pond water clean and clear. There are also a variety of chemicals that can be used to kill off plants and help control algae growth.
A healthy pond is essential to a successful garden, and it’s crucial to maintain good water quality. Aeration is critical to keeping the pond oxygenated so beneficial bacteria can thrive.
Plants that produce oxygen can be beneficial in a pond. They include Azolla floating fern, duckweed, pointed weed, and water hyacinth.
Algae and muck can build up on the bottom of your pond, so aeration is essential in keeping the pond oxygenated and clear.
Aeration systems allow dissolved oxygen to reach the water and are especially useful when using a waterfall or fountain. This helps the muck and sediment to be sucked up and disposed of. Aeration also keeps the water moving, which prevents stagnant water and allows the pond’s biological filter.
Also read: French Drain Installation: All About It!