Pond Leaks

By Jeff Berti
Most ponds lose some water due to leaks, and it’s not uncommon for the water level in ponds to fall in the summer or during times of drought. However, the Missouri Department of Conservation says if your pond is chronically low, then you may have a problem that needs attention.
The most common cause of pond leaks is tree roots penetrating the dam. Cutting large trees isn’t wise, since decaying roots leave fissures through which water can escape. Instead, prevent the problem from worsening by cutting all trees less than 3 inches in diameter and repeat the procedure as often as necessary to prevent new trees from growing.
Improper dam construction is the other major cause of leaks. Usually the problem is that the soil in the dam or the bottom of the pond is too porous. If the dam is the problem, the best cure is rebuilding the dam. However, leaky dams and pond bottoms sometimes can be fixed by applying bentonite clay. This is special clay that expands to twice its dry volume when wet. In theory, the clay will find it’s way to the leak, expand and stop the leak without major reconstruction of the dam.
Bentonite is used in drilling and is available from drilling supply companies or farm co-ops. It can be used several different ways, which are outlined in a Conservation Department handout, “The Problem of Leaky Ponds”. Information about designing and maintaining ponds to prevent leakage can be found in the “Missouri Pond Handbook,” another Conservation Department publication.
These publications are available on request from the Conservation Department Chillicothe office or by writing to Distribution Center, Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or by going to the department website at www.mdc.mo.gov.

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Come one, come all to the North Central Missouri Fair, July 29 through Aug. 2. While you’re there, why don’t you drop by the Department of Conservation’s building to see what’s new in the world of conservation.
Along with many displays Department of Conservation employees will be available from 5 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday to answer questions or to just visit with. If you need to ask a question about a regulation, there will be a Conservation Agent at the booth during the open hours. If you want, come by every night, someone will always be willing to answer a question or visit about our favorite topic, “conservation.”
This year’s exhibit will feature White Tail Deer. If you are a fan of deer, or just like to learn more about the animal, stop by and look at all the deer mounts, exhibits and informational pamphlets. If you have a deer that you want to have measured, bring it by on Thursday evening, as certified measurers will be measuring for Missouri Big Bucks, as well as other organizations. Registration on Thursday evening will begin at 4 p.m. and continue through the evening until all antlers are measured. Bring them by any time before 10 p.m. and we will get them done.