Cornell Cooperative Extension

Oneida County
cat tails in farm pond
Image by Sandy Repp

Ponds need careful maintenance to flourish

Shovel and Pond
Image by Rob Boudon

Ponds can adapt themselves to a yard and give it character

Building a New Pond

This web article by Jim Ochterski outlines proper pond construction and is directed to rural landowners in Upstate New York who are building a pond for the first time. It contains many suggestions regarding planning, design, and construction of a new pond. 

The information is available as a pdf. 

Click here to print out or read.  Building A New Pond (PDF, 81kb)

Consider how you will be using your new pond. If you have not given this question careful thought, you will have a hard time creating a farm pond that is right for you. In the past, farm ponds were presumed to have a strictly agricultural purpose. With fewer farms and more interest in wildlife, fishing, and rural scenery, pond design now involves many additional considerations.

No matter the use of the pond, several requirements for pond construction are always in effect. New ponds must be located in the best spot possible, supplied by a consistent water source, and constructed with an adequate spillway.

Failure to meet these basic requirements will cause your pond to have a low water level, fall apart during a storm, or provide you with years of dissatisfaction due to weeds and poor fishing. Think of these points as the fundamental rules of pond construction.

Representatives from your county Soil and Water Conservation District or Natural Resource Conservation Service can help you make decisions about pond construction. Qualified contractors and engineers can also provide you with sound professional advice. It is worthwhile to ask questions and meet these professionals on your property to discuss your plans.

Last updated April 18, 2024

Ponds

Soil & Water Conservation

New York State Soil & Water Conservation Committee logo, for use as a sidebar link to: http://www.nys-soilandwater.org/crep/index.html

Contact your county NYS Soil & Water Conservation District office and ask about a pond site evaluation to determine if your site is appropriate for a pond. Find local offices HERE.

Useful Resources

Constructing Recreational & Farm Ponds. This NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation site covers siting factors, design considerations, pond pesticide use, and the permits you will need to build a pond on your property. Also available as a pdf: Pond Brochure (PDF, 104kb).

Penn State University Cooperative Extension hosts Pond Management pages that include information on pond construction, maintenance and ecology; aquatic plants and algae; a Pond Management Home Study Course; pond FAQs; barley straw; pond management and farm pond safety resources.

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The Pond Guidebook

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The Pond Guidebook (2007, Ochterski, et. al) is written for ponds of 1/8 acre or larger in the Northeast, the Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic United States. The authors explain the causes of many common pond problems and review the advantages and drawbacks of various treatments. The book suggests practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment, promote healthy ecosystems, encourage responsible use of chemicals, and enhance biological diversity.