Preble Soil and Water Conservation District

Site Selection For Ponds:

Since most ponds in this area are embankment ponds it is important to site the pond correctly.  Look for a location between slopes where a dam could be constructed that would impound water in a relatively wide and flat area.  Avoid areas where surface drainage into the pond might contain sewage, runoff from a confined livestock facility, or any identifiable source of potential pollution.

Other problem areas to avoid when considering a pond site include utilities, both underground and overhead.  Areas where dam failure might cause property damage, injury, or loss of life should be avoided as well.

It takes a much larger area to construct a pond than the resulting pond will occupy when finished.  Is there adequate room for equipment to operate?  Also, there will be excess soil to dispose of.  Can it be spread nearby or possibly used to create landscaping?  Will it need to be hauled away?  A small (1/4 acre) pond will produce up to 250 truckloads of soil which has to find a new home.

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