Choosing the Right Location
Look for low areas that naturally collect water. Avoid building in drainage paths that carry heavy flow during storms. Consider access for both livestock and equipment for future maintenance.
Sizing Your Pond
A general rule: plan for 1 acre-foot of water for every 20 cattle. For a pond to maintain water through dry spells, minimum depth should be 8-10 feet in the deepest area. Shallower ponds evaporate quickly in Texas summers.
Construction Basics
Proper pond construction includes: clearing the site, excavating to proper depth with correct slope, compacting the dam/levee, installing overflow structures, and seeding the banks. Skipping steps leads to problems.
After Construction
New ponds take time to fill and establish. Expect 6-12 months before the pond is fully functional. Consider stocking with fish, controlling vegetation, and maintaining the dam to extend pond life.