Pond Water Sources

A pond is a small area of still, fresh water. It is different from a river or a stream because it does not have moving water and it differs from a lake because it generally has a much smaller area and shallower depth. Some ponds are formed naturally, filled either by an underwater spring, or by rainwater – sometimes known as ‘dewponds’; other ponds are artificially made.

Most farmers and homeowners rely on wells to supply the water they need for irrigating a crop field or lawn. But many areas with little ground water and high layers of rock make wells a costly or ineffective choice for an irrigation water supply.

A pond or lake near the area in need of irrigation may provide the ideal source for irrigation water, assuming permits, supply, and chemical quality allow.