up:: Projects MOC
owner:: @Niko
intent: living-doc
llm: update-in-place
scope: team
Test pond — small-scale prototype before the main pond build. Design reference: Design Ref - Pond. Land meetings: Meet - Land.
Scope boundary: this note owns the excavation, lining, and water body. The pump-and-irrigation system that draws from it is a separate build — Project - Pond to Drip Irrigation System — so pump specs, power sizing, and drip zones do not belong here. Pond circulation (waterfall, bog-filter loop) does.
skills::
lead:: @Niko
start::
estimated completion::
Project - Overview
ToDo:: Write Overview
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Purpose
The purpose of this project is to create a test pond for our garden bed irrigation system. Test flow rates and construction process to create the first pond at La Finka.
Objectives
- Dig pond
- Determine lining material
- Prototype the circulation system
- Loop to top of water system
- Waterfall feature
- Bog-filter loop — see Design Ref - Bog Filters
- Confirm the pond holds level well enough to serve as an irrigation source
"Irrigation" was previously listed as an objective here. It is now its own build — Project - Pond to Drip Irrigation System — which draws from this pond. What stays this note's job is proving the pond holds water and holds level; what it feeds is downstream.
Background Info
Ponds are a great way to capture and store water on the property. They will act as reservoirs for storing water and ultimately irrigating the areas around the ponds. This will be the first of many and will be an exercise in pond system design.
Long term it would be great to stock the pond with native species of fish and incorporate a large scale aquaponics system into the garden bed design.
Project - Details
Scope
The project includes the design, construction, and implementation of test pond in the garden. It excludes any permanent structures or design elements and will be used to define and spec out a longer term solution for next year.
Milestones
A - Design Phase
- Order all components necessary to utilize the equipment donated
B - Construction Phase
- Construct the pond utilizing tractor and shovels
- Move dirt to build banks that would become more water features etc...
C- Test Phase
- Run pumps to determine water flow of the syste
Tasks
Project - Resources
Budget
Estimated Budget - $150
Materials & Tools
Equipment
- Saw - Hammer - Drill
References / Examples
- Design Ref - Pond — depth/placement/size ratios, liner options including gleying, pump types
- Design Ref - Bog Filters — up-flow rock bed sizing; filter ≈10% of pond volume
- Project - Pond to Drip Irrigation System — what this pond is being built to feed
- ToDo:: Add lining material vendor references
Documentation and Media
Photos and Videos
Links or embedded media showing progress or highlights.
- Initial sketches & designs
Documents
Links to relevant documents, such as plans, blueprints, and research papers.
- Link to design
- Link to construction guide
Technologies
- Liner — plastic, rubber, bentonite clay, or gleying (undecided — see Design Ref - Pond)
- Circulation — pump loop to upper basin + waterfall feature
- Filtration — bog filter, up-flow rock/pebble bed
Questions / Unknowns
- Q:: Which lining material? Cost, longevity, and whether gleying is viable on our soil.
- Q:: Does the pond hold level through a full irrigation season, or does it need ditch top-up while the ditch runs (May–Aug)? This gates Project - Pond to Drip Irrigation System.
- Q:: What pump head is needed to reach the upper basin for the waterfall loop? Separate question from the irrigation pump.
Collaboration and Participation
How to Get Involved
Join Us Saturday / Sunday Aug 31 / September 1
Potential Partnerships
Created: 260805-19:11
Updated: 260805-19:11