Building a pond on your farm is a great way to provide water for livestock and crops, and it can also be a beautiful addition to your property. There are a few things to consider before you begin to build a farm pond, such as the size and location of your pond, as well as the type of liner you will use.
Future pond owners need to get the basics right around their pond site in regards to wildlife habitat, pond liner, soil erosion, and water quality to not go down a route of poor farming practices.
Here are some tips on how to build a pond on your farm and what to think about before you get started.
Why you should have a Farm Pond
There are many reasons why having a pond can be beneficial, such as:
- Providing water for your livestock
- Irrigating your crops
- Creating a natural habitat for wildlife
- Aesthetically pleasing
Using your pond to provide water for your livestock is probably the most common reason for building one. If you have cattle, they will need water to drink, and a pond is a great way to provide it.
You can also use your pond to water your crops if you have an irrigation system. This works especially well in hot weather when your crops need a lot of water.
Ponds can also be created for the purpose of providing a natural habitat for wildlife. This is especially beneficial if you have a lot of wildlife on your property. The pond will provide a place for them to drink and bathe, as well as a place to lay their eggs.
If you build your pond in the right location, you may even attract some new wildlife to your property.
Recommended reading:
What is Permaculture: Embracing the Permaculture System on Your Farm
Laws around Water
While building a pond on your farm can have many benefits, there are also some laws and regulations that you need to be aware of before you begin.
The first thing you need to do is check with your local zoning office to see if there are any restrictions on building a pond on your property. There may be setback requirements or other restrictions that you need to take into account. It’s important to have the proper permits in place before you start your new adventure.
You will also need to obtain a permit from your local Department of Health before you can begin construction. This is to ensure that your pond meets all the necessary health and safety standards.
The last thing to be aware of is that you will need to have your pond registered with the state if it is larger than 1/4 acre. There is a fee for this, but it is worth it to avoid any legal issues down the road.
Water Sources for your Farm’s Pond
The most common water source for farm ponds is a spring. If you have a spring on your property, it is probably the best option because it is already flowing and will not require any pumping.
Another option is to use surface water, such as runoff from rain or melting snow. This is a good option if you live in an area with a lot of precipitation. Just be sure to check the local regulations to see if you need a permit to do this.
You can also use groundwater, which is water that is underground. This is usually the most expensive option, but it is also the most reliable.
There are also other options, such as using existing streams or wells. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have a professional inspect your water source to make sure it is safe for use.
Farm Pond Design
Once you have chosen your water source for your new pond, it is time to start thinking about the design of your pond. The first thing you need to decide is the size of your pond. This will be determined by the purpose of your pond and the amount of space you have available.
The next thing to consider is the shape of your pond. The most common shape is oval, but you can also choose a rectangular or square shape. The shape of your pond will be determined by the space you have available and the purpose of your pond.
If you are using your pond for irrigation, you will want to make sure it is deep enough to hold a large amount of water. If you are using it for livestock, you will want to make sure it is shallow enough for them to reach the water.
The last thing to consider is the location of your pond. This is important because you need to make sure your pond is in a safe place. You will also want to make sure it gets enough sun and that the soil and surrounding land is not too sandy.
What size does my Pond need to be?
When you talk about size of a pond, pond volume is usually given in gallons. The average size of a backyard pond is about 1000 gallons. This will give you an idea of what size liner you need to purchase.
Pond depths differ based on your need. Most of the time ponds are 24″ at their deepest point. If you want aquatic plants for your pond there can be a shelf about 12″ deep for them.
A 24″ depth on the other hand is necessary if fish are going to be living in your pond. This depth keeps all the water from freezing during winter so your fish can hibernate.
To calculate the volume of your pond in gallons, use the following formula:
Width x Length x Depth x 7.5 = Volume in gallons
For example, if your pond is 10 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 3 feet deep, the calculation would be:
10 x 20 x 3 x 7.5 = 4,500 gallons
Farm Pond Construction
Now that you have your design and size figured out, it is time to start construction. Farm pond building is highly dependant on the placement of your pond. The first step is to excavate the area where your pond will be located. This is best done with a backhoe or other heavy equipment.
The next step is to install a liner in your pond. There are two common types of liners: EPDM and PVC;
- EPDM is a synthetic rubber that is very durable and can last for decades.
- PVC is a plastic that is less expensive but not as durable.
Lining Your Pond
Having a liner in your pond is as essential as having a roof on your house. A liner protects the water from contamination and seepage. It also prevents the walls of your pond from collapsing.
Installing a liner is not a difficult task, but it is important to do it correctly. The first step is to lay out the liner in the excavation. Make sure it is big enough to cover the entire area with at least 2 feet of extra material.
The next step is to secure the liner in place. This can be done with sandbags, rocks, or other heavy objects. Be sure to evenly distribute the weight so that the liner does not rip or tear.
How much will it cost to build a Pond?
The cost of building a pond will vary depending on the size, location, and materials used. Small ponds are obviously likely to be cheaper but one rule of thumb can be that the average cost is between $500 and $5,000.
To get an idea of how much it will cost to build your pond, use the formula above for volume and then calculate the liner cost based on this:
Width x Length x Depth x 7.5 = Volume in gallons
The average cost of a liner is $0.50 per gallon. So, if your pond is 1,000 gallons, it will cost $500 for the liner.
Other materials you will need to purchase include:
- Pond Pump – $50-$250
- Pond Filter – $100-$300
- Pond Lights – $50-$200
- Pond Plants – $50-$200
- Pond Fish – $50-$200
Maintenance needs of a Farm Pond
Even though ponds are low-maintenance, they still need to be checked on a regular basis. You should check the water level and quality at least once a week.
It is also important to keep the pond clean. This can be done by skimming leaves and debris off the surface of the water. You should also remove any weeds that are growing in the pond.
If you have a fish pond, you will need to feed your fish on a regular basis. You should also check the oxygen levels of the water to make sure they are high enough for the fish to survive.
Pond maintenance is not difficult, but it is important to do it regularly. By taking the time to care for your pond, you will be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Conclusion
Ponds are a great addition to any farm. They provide a place for livestock to cool off, a place for fish to live, and a place for plants to grow. They can also be a beautiful addition to your property.
If you follow the steps above, you can easily build a pond on your farm. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions about building a Pond on your Farm
Building a pond on a farm is not difficult. The first step is to determine the size and location of the pond. Next, excavate the area and install a liner. Finally, fill the pond with water and add plants or fish if desired.
The cost of building a pond will vary depending on the size, location, and materials used. Small ponds are obviously likely to be cheaper but one rule of thumb can be that the average cost is between $500 and $5,000.
The depth of a farm pond will vary depending on the purpose of the pond. If you are raising fish, the pond should be at least 3 feet deep. If you are using the pond for irrigation, the depth will be determined by the amount of water you need to pump.
It will take between 1 and 2 weeks to build a 1 acre pond. This includes time for excavation, liner installation, and filling the pond with water.
Ponds offer many benefits to farms. They provide a place for livestock to cool off, a place for fish to live, and a place for plants to grow. They can also be a beautiful addition to your property.
Building ponds can be good for the environment if they are properly designed and constructed. Ponds can help to recharge groundwater supplies, improve water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Farm ponds are commonly used for irrigation, livestock watering, fish farming, and recreation.
