Dealing with Groundwater in a New Pond Excavation: Water Table vs. Spring

Diagnose the Source

Let the hole sit 24 hours. If water level stabilizes, it's the natural water table. If it keeps rising, you hit a spring or broken pipe.

Water Table Solutions

• Backfill to raise the bottom above the table.
• Expand pond surface area to compensate for lost depth.
• Most garden ponds need only 2.5 feet depth.

Spring or Pipe Break

If a spring, you cannot line the pond—water will lift the liner. Consider a preformed rigid pond or relocate. If a broken water/sewer pipe, repair it first.