Key Tips for Pond Construction

In my last pond article, I covered basic terms related to pond construction, but by far the most important part of building a pond is selecting the right location. There are a few key components that need to be considered.

Assessing Water Supply

First and foremost, the pond location needs to have a sufficient water supply to maintain its water level. In Illinois, most ponds are filled with watershed “runoff” from surrounding acres. Typically, you’ll need approximately 10 to 20 acres of watershed per acre of surface water to fill the pond at maximum capacity. For example, a 2-acre pond would require at least 20 acres of runoff to sustain its water level. You can often work with the local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help determine the total watershed acreage needed for your pond.

Topography of the Pond Site

Topography at the proposed pond site is also crucial. Many ponds are situated in low-lying areas or “draws” where water naturally flows after rainfall. The slope of this area will influence the levee’s height, which must be sufficient to reach the desired pond size. Any Illinois pond with a levee over 25 feet high must obtain approval and a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. Keeping the levee under 25 feet is ideal for a backyard lake or pond. A contractor’s assessment of the grade is recommended to determine the best levee location and estimate the pond’s full capacity. It’s also essential to ensure that water won’t back up onto neighboring properties, crop fields, or cause other issues once the pond fills.

Soil Composition Requirements

Proper soil composition is essential for a stable pond. Numerous factors, including poor soil, can cause a levee to seep or leak. Clay-type soil, which can be compacted tightly, is generally needed to retain water effectively. A contractor should perform exploratory digging in the levee area to confirm that no sand or rock veins lie beneath the surface. These test holes are a critical step that can prevent significant frustration later on. Sometimes, a pond site simply isn’t viable for construction. I recall helping my dad clear land with chainsaws and burn piles for his dream pond. After years of preparation, the contractor’s initial dig hit a large gravel vein, rendering the site unsuitable. Eventually, we settled for a 1-acre pond instead of the planned 5-acre lake.

Construction Considerations

Once the levee location is deemed suitable, the actual work begins. All the above factors will influence construction costs. Contractors typically charge based on the volume of dirt moved and the distance it travels. The topography will determine the levee’s dimensions, the watershed size dictates overflow pipe requirements, and both factors affect the levee’s freeboard and emergency overflow needs.

Choosing a Reliable Contractor

Hiring a reputable contractor is essential, but conducting your own research can save you a significant amount of money. If you’re considering building a pond or lake, your local NRCS office is a helpful starting point. They can assess your potential pond site’s suitability and recommend contractors for the project.

GET TO KNOW MATT COX

Matt, a full-time Licensed Realtor, with LandGuys of Illinois. He lives in Fulton County with his wife Ashley and two sons Easton and Camden. Matt specializes in rural land sales which include recreational land, tillable land, rural home sales, and waterfowl property sales. Over the years, Matt has sold rural properties. He has also assisted numerous clients in navigating unique circumstances and obstacles specific to rural real estate ownership. Through this blog, he aims to aid rural landowners in making informed decisions and calculated improvements to their properties. Matt hopes these efforts will enable landowners to maximize their enjoyment, enhance their return on investment, and ensure the land retains its value, both aesthetically and financially.

Stay Connected With Matt Cox. Follow him on Facebook.