I would like to build a small pond (1/4 acre) but the land is creek bottom and consists of loam/sand and will not hold water. I have heard that I could use lime that I would disc into the bottom and it would create a water barrier. Does that sound reasonable and is it safe for fish and animals? Is there a better option that is not too expensive? Thanks for any help.

-- Doug Shutes (toadshutes@yahoo.com), October 14, 1999

Answers

I remember reading something about that on the Backwoods Home forum. try there archives then search http://www.backwoodshome.com/forums/archive.pl?searc

-- wittey/wyckoff (wittey@aol.com), October 14, 1999.

In these parts, where sand and clay (mostly sand) is our soil base, many folks use betanite (sp)...

we are putting in a pond in the spring and will get some from our local ag office...

contact yours and see about getting it.

Idaho Cher

-- Idaho Cher (fullcircle@nidlink.com), October 15, 1999.

Any chance you could get clay hauled in to line your pond walls and sides with? You can pack it in (we walked ours in with a dozer) and it makes a great water tight seal for ponds.

-- Marci (ajourend@libby.org), October 15, 1999.

Idaho Cher has the right idea. It is bentonite clay. (Named after Fort Benton, Montanna.) Distributing it and packing it with a dozer would be a plus. You may also want to get ahold of some "mud turtles." They will work it and push it around and will make the final and complete seal. Of course then you have to put up with turtles in your pond.

-- greenbeanman (greenbeanman@ourtownusa.net), October 16, 1999.