Exasperation

[Pond skipper]

I can’t find this question answered anywhere so was just wondering, I know there are a lot of variables but is there a rule of thumb for how much water you can expect to lose from evaporation over a 24 hour period? Pond is about 20’x6’ x 2’ deep

 

[JRS]

You are right on the multitude of variables. This covers some some of them: https://willowridgegardencenter.com/how-much-water-does-a-pond-lose-to-evaporation/#:~:text=On average a water feature,out the actual flow rate.

 

[Lisak1]

Literally so.many.variables. You really have to get to know your own pond.

 

[Pond skipper]

You are right on the multitude of variables. This covers some some of them: https://willowridgegardencenter.com/how-much-water-does-a-pond-lose-to-evaporation/#:~:text=On average a water feature,out the actual flow rate.

Thanks that was very helpful. I didn’t expect it to be quite that much.. now I guess I can just figure out my surface area and how many inches it drops exactly.. I think it’s like 1.5 - 2 “ per day.. thanks

 

[GBBUDD]

The variables include how windy your area is , is your area also very dry or is it so moist there there's dew on everything each morning. full sun. do you have a 4 foot drop with the water fall or do you have 4 one foot water falls . there's no easy answer to that question

 

[Pond skipper]

Ya I know, it’s pretty much impossible, I was just hoping maybe somebody had a ball park formula.. was wondering if maybe my pond isn’t really leaking after all and it’s just evaporating

 

[Lisak1]

Start keeping track of the variables you can measure - temperature, rainfall, temperature. Then keep track of whether the water losses vary from day to day or steady based on those factors. A steady drop that happens no matter what is more likely a leak... although again, not necessarily.

 

[addy1]

Ya I know, it’s pretty much impossible, I was just hoping maybe somebody had a ball park formula.. was wondering if maybe my pond isn’t really leaking after all and it’s just evaporating

I fill mine to what I know is normal level, late at night. Check first thing in am, usually very close to where it should be. By the end of the day it is usually down 2 inches if not more.

 

[Lisak1]

@addy1 added another variable - daytime vs night. A leaking pond leaks all day AND night. Steady.

You could also not fill and see if the water loss slows or stops once it gets below a certain level.

And to reassure you - most pond “leaks” are not leaks at all. Usually a low edge, wicking liner, or loose plumbing.