Winter Pond Inspection Checklist

In doing your inspections and observations, there are several areas to which you should pay attention:

Water Quality

Pond assessment should include routine testing of the pond water quality.  Water tests are helpful to document existing problems and to monitor for important changes in water quality as well as aid in herbicide selection if needed.  Visit Penn State's Agricultural Analytical services lab for Pond Water Testing information.

Aquatic Plants

Properly identifying any nuisance plants are important, especially if any control measures are needed early in the season. Detailed information on plant ID and control is available in the Pond Management section of the Water Resources website.

Dam and Banks

The dam and any exposed banks should be checked to ensure that they have complete grass cover and no erosion.  Grass, weeds, brush, and small trees should be occasionally cut from the dam and banks. Keep large, established trees in place as their roots can help to stabilize banks and dams. 

Overflow Pipe

It is especially important to inspect the overflow pipe and remove debris in or near the pipe as they may result in water breaching the dam or continually flowing through any existing auxiliary spillway.

Pond Access

Be sure that any roads to the pond are maintained to allow access for safety vehicles.  This is especially important if a dry hydrant exists to allow access for fire trucks. 

Check for Signs of Leaks

The pond water level should be routinely observed to monitor for early signs of leakage.  Most ponds lose some water to underground seepage and evaporation. Water loss greater than these few inches, may be attributed to a significant leak that might be visible as a wet area outside of the pond. To fix leaks, application of bentonite clay material may be required.

Pond Sediment

Depending on the source of water, ponds may fill up over time with sediment.  As sediment fills in the pond, growth of aquatic plants and algae will generally increase, due to increased sunlight penetrating the shallower water. If sedimentation is noticeable, steps should be taken to reduce sediment entering the pond. This can be done by installing a sediment pond before the main pond or by using management practices like buffer plantings to help filter and control sediment runoff. You can find more information on buffers at: Roadside Guide to Clean Water: Riparian Buffers.

Safety Equipment

Ponds, like any body of water, attract both invited and uninvited people.  As part of your pond inspection, consider safety features (warning signs) and equipment (life buoys) to protect visitors.  Mark the swimming area and post safety rules for all permitted water uses.

More Information

For more information, visit Pond Assessment and Inspection.