Why do ponds leak?
Understanding why ponds leak and determining the most likely cause of the leak in your pond is the first step toward a solution. Leaks in ponds usually occur because of problems in one of the following areas. Site Selection Topography, drainage area and soil content are the keys to making a good site selection. The pond should be located in an area with a watershed ratio between 10:1 and 15:1 (10 to 15 acres of watershed per acre of impounded water). Watershed ratios within this range will contribute an adequate amount of water to the pond without jeopardizing the structural integrity of the dam and spillway. Soils should contain a minimum of 20 percent clay for good compacting, which prevents excess seepage. Areas containing large rock outcroppings are generally poor pond sites, because seepage often occurs through cracks or fractures in the rock. Design or Construction Good pond construction is essential for preventing excess seepage. If the pond basin contains coarse-grained soil, a
