Drainage, Stormwater & Flood

Pond and Small Dam Design

Engineering for farm ponds, recreational ponds, small dams and spillways, including state dam safety permits. Typical US fees run $2,000 to $30,000, and most projects take 3 to 12 weeks. Our drawings, calculations and reports are sealed by a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the state where your project is located, ready for permit submission.

Typical US fee$2,000 to $30,000
Typical timeline3 to 12 weeks
Permit drawingsSealed by a PE

What the work involves

Pond design covers site suitability, soils for water retention, embankment design, principal and emergency spillways, and outlet pipes. Larger embankments may be regulated dams under state dam safety programs, requiring an engineer's design and periodic inspections. The USDA NRCS publishes widely used pond design guidance (Agriculture Handbook 590).

When you need it

  • Building a farm or recreational pond
  • Embankment height or storage may be state-regulated
  • Existing pond leaks or spillway erodes
  • Dam safety agency orders inspection or repair

What you receive

  • Site and soils evaluation
  • Embankment and spillway design
  • Permit applications
  • Construction observation

What drives the cost

Estimate. Small unregulated ponds are at the low end; state-regulated dams cost far more.

Frequently asked questions

How much does pond and Small Dam Design cost?

Across the US, pond and Small Dam Design usually costs $2,000 to $30,000. Estimate. Small unregulated ponds are at the low end; state-regulated dams cost far more.

How long does pond and Small Dam Design take?

Plan on 3 to 12 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Do I need a licensed PE for pond and Small Dam Design?

In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.

Will I also need a geotechnical engineer?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, pond and Small Dam Design can also involve a geotechnical engineer, land surveyor or NRCS district conservationist. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide pond and Small Dam Design for?

Most of our clients for this service are homeowners, developers, municipalitys and business owners. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

Is my pond a regulated dam?

States regulate dams by height and storage volume, and thresholds vary. Check with your state dam safety program.

Why does my pond leak?

Common reasons include permeable soils, poor compaction, animal burrows and pipe seepage. An engineer can evaluate seepage and recommend liners, compaction or repairs.

Can NRCS help?

USDA NRCS publishes pond design guidance, including Agriculture Handbook 590, and may provide technical assistance for agricultural ponds. Local soil and water conservation districts are a good first contact.

Do spillways matter?

Yes. Inadequate spillways are a leading cause of embankment overtopping and failure.

Where we provide this service

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Sources

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