For those ponds that rely on surface runoff for their water supply, 6-10 acres of drainage area is needed for each acre of pond. Very large drainage areas cause problems if part of the water is not diverted around the pond. On impounded ponds, the outlet can be a simple overflow structure. Water quality in a pond should not be a problem if there is an adequate supply of clean water and there is no runoff or seepage from nutrient-rich sources such as barnyards, septic tanks, fertilized lawns or other polluted sources. Fence all livestock away from the pond and pipe the water in an area where they won't harm the pond.
All ponds eventually have weeds, particulary in the shallow water around the edge.
Weeds can be controlled using mechanical and chemical means as temporary solutions, but the construction of the pond and nutrients from water sources have the most impact on weed growth. Ponds can be dangerous for swimmers, especially children. A bass and bluegill combination is popular in many ponds. Catfish and trout are also used. Trout may be stocked if the water is cold enough, but they will not reproduce in the pond.