Pond Construction - Pond Location and Size All Important

Ponds can provide water for wildlife and irrigation for vegetation. In some places, ponds serve as an immediate water supply in the case of a fire. Pond construction requires proper planning to make sure the pond is in the right place and does not affect elements of the surrounding environment.

Construction can occur either as an excavation, embankment, or a combination of the two. With an excavation pond construction, soil is removed from a flat area of land. Once the soil has been removed, the dug out area is filled with water. In areas where there is sloped terrain, the embankment type of pond construction is commonly used. A soil dam is built on the slope to catch runoff water. There are cases where some combination of excavation and embankment are used for pond construction.

One of the most important considerations in pond construction is the site where the pond will be located. The site needs to be level enough for the pond to be built. Of course, soil can be added to the site or taken away as needed. The right amount of soil is needed to hold the water and allow only a small amount of seepage. A sufficient supply of water is necessary so the pond will not evaporate.

Other considerations for pond construction include size and depth of the pond. These factors sometimes depend on the purpose of the pond. Large ponds are used for fishing while smaller ponds can be used to proviate a water source for wildlife or lifestock.