Water Sources: Pond and Pit
Overview
Ponds are a common source of livestock water throughout much of Kansas. They generally store large quantities of water, can be constructed in various settings, and may provide other benefits such as recreational opportunities, erosion control, and flood protection. High initial cost, summer stagnant water, and the eventual need for dredging may lead to selection of another watering option. Concerns about sedimentation and water quality justify the consideration of other water sources. Fencing livestock out of the pond, using a hardened watering point, or installing a pipeline through the dam to a tank below can mitigate some of these problems.
Advantages
- Simple and adaptable to many locations.
- No mechanical or electrical parts to fail.
- Can store a long-term supply of water.
- Contractors are familiar with construction and maintenance.
- Can be used for fishing and other recreational activities.
- Can be designed for detention of heavy runoff to reduce flooding downstream.
- Pipeline through the dam can be used to flow water into a tank below the dam.
Limitations
- Sedimentation and bank erosion decrease the amount of water that can be stored and reduce pond life.
- Direct livestock access can decrease water quality.
- Initial construction and later restoration costs are high.
- Steep banks and mud can be hazardous to livestock in wet conditions.
- Animals walking on the pond in the winter may fall through the ice.
- A hole may need to be chopped in the ice to provide water for livestock in winter.
- Emergency spillway erosion requiring repair is common.
- Runoff needed to refill the pond is limited and sporadic in low-rainfall areas.
- Not suitable for sandy or rocky soils.
- Ponds that do not hold water are difficult to remedy.
- Water quality may be impacted by blue-green algae growth.
- Ponds require a professional design.
Design Considerations
Most ponds are constructed by excavating material that is used to build an embankment (dam) across an incised drainage. Pond size is a result of the natural depth of the drainage and the amount of soil excavated for the dam. In broad, flat drainages, a pit can be excavated to collect runoff and store water. Pits may also be located outside of drainages in situations where they are supplied by an underground flow.
Size and location are critical factors when designing livestock ponds. Unless they are continuously supplied by springs and underground flow, ponds should be sized large enough to store water to supply livestock throughout extended dry periods (generally two years) of high evaporation and no runoff. The landowner is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the dam. When siting a dam, consider any down-stream development that would be affected during periods of restricted water flow during dry weather, or dam failure during wet weather.
Pond design should include a primary spillway or trickle pipe for a controlled release of the water as well as a flatter emergency spillway at the end of the dam to carry away excess water during high rainfall events. Careful sizing of the trickle pipe and water storage relative to the size, slope, and landcover of the drainage will decrease the incidence of erosion in the emergency spillway. The dam and other disturbed soil should be seeded shortly after construction to stabilize the soil.
Pond location is dictated by landscape features, but where possible, locate the pond to improve grazing distribution. Shade, salt and mineral feeders, which also attract livestock, should be located away from the pond to prevent overuse of nearby vegetation.
Installation of water supply lines under or through the dam and fencing to allow limited or no direct livestock access will improve pond water quality and extend the life of the pond.
NRCS can provide technical assistance for designing and installing a pond.
This practice may require permits. Please read the “Permits in Kansas” section of this handbook.
Dams can also involve water rights. For more information, search for “water rights and dams” at the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
