Pond location

Hey gals and guys,

On my mom's property, there are 2 spot close to the house that appear would be suitable for a pond. The intent is habitat creation, possibly stocking them, and creating a microclimate for a larger variety of fruit tree possibilities. Located in zone 4b/5a.

1st spot is within 150 feet downhill from the house, located in a high-watertable/marshy level area, but also downhill of the septic field (by 20-40 feet). Easy access, guaranteed water level because of the creek close by, with deep, clayey soil. Location within 30 feet of the vegetable garden (and barely a foot lower in elevation), and the beehive. Septic field marked by an "A".

2nd spot is more like 400 feet from the house. Sloping northward with some short trees to the south and west, and a small hedge of brush between it and the creek. Area that can be converted into a pond is greater, though covered in brush that would have to be removed. Ground is a bit more porous, yet the area remains wet and muddy because of irrigation water coming from a yearly rotation chemical monoculture field uphill - direct marked with a "B".

Come to think about it, the fields on the bottom left and top right corner of the picture are used the same way...

Both ponds have good sources of water, though quality is questionable. Probably will both need a channel for the overflow. Possibility of a small electrical generating apparatus?

I'd like to make this a discussion about pond placement, size, runoff, and habitat creation. And, of course, which location would you choose?

From your description I would start with site 1 and see how that works out, then if funds allow later on make a second pond in site 2. 

Should I be worried about the septic system or the irrigation runoff?

Possibly.  Is the pond site #1 less than 100 feet from the septic field?  I think 100 feet is considered the closest a septic field should be to a water source.

It unfortunately is. And would be downhill from it as well.

What if the location was downhill from it, yet still within 100ft and with a bedrock cliff between it and the septic field? That is another possible area. I'd much rather leave it as tall marsh grasses grow in that area.

mine is semi close to my septic drainfield and I don't have any problem with it..but I do have a good quality drainfield and lots of filter plants between there and the pond..

you  can check out mine at my blog..see the address in my signature..there are diagrams on the diagram page and there are photos and info on the pond pages..redug deeper last summer late and am very anxious to see it after it thaws in a few weeks..as the water level should be well topped up ..woo hoo..can't wait to update my  blog with new spring photos

Brenda, what kind of plants do you have between your sceptic field and your pond? I am looking at introducing cattails and possibly wild rice in the pond and there is a willow nearby.

Would it be ill-advised to plant fruit trees and berry bushes in the 20-30 feet between the end of the sceptic field, and the pond? The slope is SSE facing, protected from the N, NW, and WSW winds. Would be an ideal location for them.