PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS EDUCATION SYSTEM

Estimating the Storage Capacity of a Pond or Lake (2)

If the pond or lake is not frequently recharged by a dependable stream or spring, an estimate of the amount of water it will supply needs to be made. Estimating the Storage Capacity of a Pond or Lake
  1. Lay out a rectangular shape that is approximately the same size as the lake.
  2. Measure the length and width of the rectangle, and determine the surface area, in square feet, of the lake.
  3. Measure the water depth at the deepest point in the lake.
  4. Assume that the average depth of the lake is 0.4 times the greatest depth.
  5. Multiply the average depth by the surface area to get the approximate volume of water (in cubic feet) in the lake.
  6. The amount of water available for use in the water system is about 80% of the amount from step 5.
  7. Multiply the number of cubic feet from step 6 by 7.5 to find out how many gallons are available for use.

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