Pond Design and Construction

Abstract

Ponds may be classified as watershed ponds, levee ponds, and excavated ponds. A watershed pond is created by constructing a dam across a watershed where the valley is depressed enough to permit storage of runoff. A levee pond is made by building levees around the area in which water is to be impounded. Water for filling levee ponds must be derived from wells, storage reservoirs, streams, or canals, because watersheds are absent. An excavated pond is constructed by digging a pit in which water is stored. Excavated ponds are filled by runoff, well water, or ground-water seepage. Pond construction is a broad subject. Construction techniques used for a particular pond depend on site characteristics, available equipment and material, cost, and preference.