This month we have two related pieces I found on rec.pond newsgroup. They have to do with something we all experience at some time to one degree or another, leaks.

From: Phyllis Hurley jameshurley@worldnet.att.net Subject: Re: water loss in pond,   Date: Sunday, April 25, 1999 8:43 AM

Here is a simple empirical method which will let you know if your pond itself is leaking.

1. Get a straight sided container (I used a milk jug with the sloping top cut off.).

2. Put the container in the pond so that its rim sticks out above the top of the pond.

3. Fill it with water to just about the level of the pond.

4. Turn OFF your fountains and waterfalls.

5. If your pond has a lot of shade, use two straight-sided containers, one in the shade and one in the sun. Now you have two bodies of water which are facing the same evaporation conditions.

6. Measure water levels daily for a few days. If the pond is leaking, it will fall more than the jug(s).

1. Let your pond lose water.

1a. When the loss rate changes, you are at the level of a leak. Record that level.

1b. When the loss stops, you are at the level of the last leak.

2. Add about 1/4" of water to get the level just above the leak.

3. Put some milk in a spray bottle.

4. Find where you think there is a leak, or systematically work your way around the pond edge.

5. Squirt a little milk in the water where you think the leak is.

6. If the milk simply dissipates, the leak is not there. If it is drawn through the side, you have your leak.

7. Remember to do this at each rate-of-loss-change point, as you may have leaks at each level.

1. If you can turn them on without spraying into the air, do so one at a time. If you begin losing water, the plumbing for that fountain leaks.

2. If you cannot turn them on low, but can trun them on singly, try doing so consecutively. Compare the rate of loss. Your .8 gal/minute should bevery graphic, as long as you are not losing the water by splash or mist drifting out of the pond.

3. If you have a waterfall, run it alone. It should not be losing at ,8 gal/min.

From: Bullfrog Ed bullfrog-ed@worldnet.att.net,  Newsgroups: rec.ponds, Subject: Looking for Leaks!,  Date: Fri, 30 Apr 1999 22:29:04 -0400

In order to find a leak, you have to first determine if it is actually a leak. Some water loss is normal, and that can vary depending on your location. In the Midwest, 1" a week during mid-summer is normal. In Arizona, 1" a day can be common. If a rapid water loss is witnessed, the first step is to turn off the pump. Once off, let the water seek its own level and mark its location on the skimmer faceplate or side of liner. Check the water level in 24 hours. If there is no change in the water level, the pond can be ruled out, and the waterfall and the stream are probably to blame. To find the leak, turn the pump back on, fill the pond to the proper water level, and watch for another 24 hours. You should notice a drop in the water level. The first place to look in this situation would be the stream or waterfall. It only takes a small trickle of water over a 24 hour period to cause a drop in the pond's water level. In order to find the leak, pull the gravel and mulch away from the liner's edge, and look for a low spot. When it is found, simply build the liner back up with some soil and compact firmly. Continue searching to rule out multiple leaks. Be sure to check the area around the waterfall for splashing water outside of the liner, as it cascades over the stonework.