Pond Maintenance
Constructing a pond is a significant investment, but if managed properly, it can yield many benefits. On this page, find information on pond maintenance and construction. Topics covered include pond construction, best management practices, water quality concerns, and pond permits.
Pond Construction
Building a new pond often requires permission from various government agencies. In Pennsylvania, the water quality and quantity regulations are overseen by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). During pond construction, a DEP permit may be needed if using a surface stream as a water source or if the pond is especially large.
Before constructing a pond, it is also good advice to consult with the local Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. The NRCS offers assistance to landowners on conserving soil and water resources. In addition, they can provide technical assistance, as well as information on whether a permit is required.
Farm pond safety is a concern for many pond owners. Practices to consider when designing and constructing ponds include fencing, exercising caution when opening septic tanks, and inserting rescue posts (near ponds used for swimming). Penn State Extension’s resources are available for additional information, including advice on basic pond measurements and management.
Pond Maintenance
Careful pond maintenance is essential for keeping the ecosystem healthy. Prevalent pond issues that affect the pond’s health include excessive plant and algae growth, nuisance wildlife, and water quality problems.
Pond maintenance practices to consider include testing the water quality, utilizing nutrient control methods such as riparian buffers, and inspecting the pond’s current conditions.
Regular assessment and inspection of the pond are crucial for identifying problems early on and preventing serious harm to the pond’s health. Common components of pond inspection that should be examined include watershed, water sources, dams, banks, and overflow pipes. Additionally, the pond water level should be routinely monitored for early signs of leakage.
In this section, learn more about maintaining a pond and identifying potential issues. Join the Management for Rural and Farm Pond Owners online course to access tips on farm pond maintenance. The course provides further information on determining your pond’s goals, implementing safety practices, and managing wildlife in and around the pond.
Pond Fish and Aquatic Plants Management
Fish and aquatic plants are an invaluable part of many ponds. If you are looking to start a pond fishery, remember that proper management is necessary for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Before getting started with fish pond construction, note that all species have specific water temperature tolerances. In order to successfully stock and manage pond fish, knowledge of typical water temperature conditions in the pond is important.
Regardless of the pond’s main purpose, aquatic plants and algae provide a number of benefits, such as serving as food and habitat for wildlife. The key to maintaining pond vegetation is to provide an optimum amount of plants while avoiding excessive growth of nuisance plants and algae.
If plants and algae do reach a nuisance level, it is advised to first explore options that can manage the plant with the least damage to the pond’s health. Physical removal of plants is ideal as it also removes the nutrients in the plant. In some cases, excessive vegetation may also be controlled by stocking grass carp.
If applying aquatic herbicides is recommended, it is vital that they are used adequately. Discover more about pond maintenance and aquatic herbicide application with Penn State Extension’s resources.
- News
PA Lake Management Society Offers Directory of Pond Service Providers
Date Posted 9/16/2024The PA Lake Management Society (PALMS) has a resource that may interest pond owners. - Articles
Controlling Nuisance Aquatic Plants and Algae in Farm Ponds
Unwanted, overabundant aquatic plant and algae growth is one of the most common management issues pond owners face. - Articles
Keeping Your Family Safe Around Your Pond
A pond is a source of tranquility and natural beauty in your outdoor space, but it can also be a source of concern, especially for families with young children. - News
Pond Owners in Pennsylvania: Participate in Our Survey
Date Posted 3/18/2024Extension is looking for input of your pond education needs! - Videos
Physical Control of Aquatic Plants
Length 4:23There are a variety of physical control strategies that can be employed. Physically harvesting aquatic plants can have a positive, long-lasting effect. - Articles
Management of Fish Ponds in Pennsylvania
General information on all aspects of pond construction and maintenance for building a new pond or taking care of an existing pond used for swimming, irrigation, fishing, or other activities. - Articles
Assessing Your Pond: A Checklist for Pond Owners and Managers
A checklist of items for pond owners and managers to consider to keep their ponds functioning properly and safely. - Articles
Penn State Extension Resources for Pond and Lake Owners
Penn State Extension has many written and video resources to help with the proper management of ponds and lakes. - Workshops
Twilight Pond Walk
Length 2 hoursIf you are a private pond owner or a member of a lake-based community organization, joining this workshop will teach you everything you need to know about basic pond ecology, water testing, water quality, and more! - Articles
Winter Pond Inspection Checklist
If you are a pond owner, winter or early spring is a good time to take a walk around your pond to see if any maintenance is needed. - Videos
Getting to Know Your Pond
Length 3:19Proper pond management practices should always start with an assessment and inspection of the current conditions in the pond. - Videos
Causes and Prevention of Aquatic Plant and Algae Growth
Length 3:24When plants and algae grow abundantly, pond and lake owners often think about ways to eliminate the offending plant. Nutrient control is the long term solution. - Articles
Permit Requirement for Use of An Aquatic Herbicide in Ponds
If you use any aquatic herbicide on your pond to control algae or aquatic plants, you must first obtain a state permit. - Videos
Chemical Control of Aquatic Plants
Length 7:14Herbicides are often the first thing pond owners turn to when nuisance aquatic plants appear in their ponds. - Videos
Five Tips for a Healthy Pond
Length 8:44Many earthen ponds have problems with algae, nuisance wildlife, or water quality. This video provides a few simple tips to help solve or prevent these common problems and ensure a healthy pond. - Articles
Winterkill in Ponds
In the winter, the water gets much colder, and ice may cover the top of the pond for an extended period. This can lead to what is called "Winterkill." - Articles
Pond Measurements: Area, Volume and Residence Time
An explanation of basic pond measurements that are vital to pond management practices. - Articles
Fixing a Leaking Pond
Pond leaks are a very common pond management problem in Pennsylvania. This article introduces the steps for determining if a pond is leaking and tips for repairing leaks. - Articles
Pond Agencies and Permits in Pennsylvania
Information on the role of various agencies and permits that may be required for construction or maintenance of earthen ponds. - Articles
Pond Assessment and Inspection
This article discusses some of the critical components of a typical pond that should be identified and inspected before tackling pond management issues. - Articles
Interpreting Water Tests for Ponds and Lakes
This document describes parameters included in the Penn State pond/lake water test kit to help pond owners detect common water quality problems. - Online Courses
$99.00
Pond Management for Rural and Farm Pond Owners
Sections 6Length 8 hoursLearn basic pond maintenance and how to address common pond issues including excessive plant and algae growth, nuisance wildlife, and fishery management. - Online Courses
$59.00
Aquatic Pesticide Management: Using Aquatic Herbicides for Pond Weeds and Algae
Sections 3Length 3 hoursManage nuisance pond plant and algae growth. Learn about measurements, plant identification and control methods using an integrated pest management approach. Earn 3 Category 9 or 3 Private Category credits and a certificate of completion.