Private Bodies of Water/Printable version

Private Bodies of Water

The current, editable version of this book is available in Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection, at
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Introduction: Why private bodies of water are awesome and how this book can help you create and enjoy your own.

Have you ever dreamed of having your own pond, lake, stream, fountain or pool on your property? Imagine waking up to the sound of water flowing, birds singing and fish splashing. Imagine relaxing by the water's edge, reading a book, sipping a drink or taking a nap. Imagine having fun with your family and friends, swimming, boating, fishing or playing games. Imagine creating a habitat for wildlife, plants and flowers, and watching them grow and thrive.

Sounds amazing, right? Well, guess what? You can make it happen! And this book is here to help you do it.

Private bodies of water are awesome for many reasons. They can enhance the beauty and value of your property, provide you with recreation and relaxation, support biodiversity and ecology, and even improve your health and well-being. They can also reflect your personality and style, and express your creativity and vision.

But creating and enjoying your own water body is not as easy as it sounds. It requires planning, designing, building, managing and maintaining. It also involves understanding the science, biology and engineering behind water bodies. And it depends on the type, size, shape and location of your water body, as well as your needs, preferences and budget.

That's where this book comes in handy. This book is a manual for the design, management and enjoyment of privately owned bodies of water. It covers everything you need to know about private water bodies, from the basics to the advanced. It guides you through the different types of water bodies you can have on your property, how to choose the best one for you, how to design and build it, how to manage and maintain it, what plants and animals you can have in it, what activities you can do on it, and how to adapt it to different regions and climates.

This book is also interactive and collaborative. It invites you to share your own experiences, ideas and suggestions with other readers who are interested in private water bodies. It also asks for your feedback and input on how to improve and expand the book. Together, we can make this book the ultimate resource for private water body enthusiasts.

So what are you waiting for? Grab this book and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of private water bodies. You'll be glad you did.

Private Water Body Types

A private water body is a water feature that is owned or controlled by an individual or a group of individuals, rather than by the public or the government. Private water bodies can be natural or artificial, and they can vary in size, shape, and function. Some examples of private water bodies are:

• Private ground water wells: These are wells that tap into the underground water sources called aquifers. Private ground water wells usually supply water to an individual residence or a small community. They are often used in rural areas where public water systems are not available or reliable. Private ground water wells require regular testing and maintenance to ensure the quality and safety of the water.
• Cisterns: These are tanks or containers that store rainwater or other sources of water for later use. Cisterns can be above ground or underground, and they can be made of various materials such as metal, plastic, concrete, or stone. Cisterns can provide water for drinking, irrigation, fire protection, or other purposes. Cisterns also require regular testing and maintenance to prevent contamination and leakage.
• Larger private water systems: These are systems that serve more than one residence or property, such as a subdivision, a mobile home park, a campground, or a school. Larger private water systems may use ground water wells, surface water sources (such as lakes or rivers), or both. Larger private water systems are regulated by the state or local authorities and must comply with certain standards and regulations.
• Ponds: These are small bodies of water that are usually shallow and still. Ponds can be natural or artificial, and they can be used for various purposes such as fishing, swimming, wildlife habitat, or aesthetic appeal. Ponds can also help control erosion and runoff on the land. Ponds need regular care and management to prevent algae growth, invasive species, and water quality issues.
• Lakes: These are larger bodies of water that are usually deep and have waves. Lakes can be natural or artificial, and they can also be used for various purposes such as boating, skiing, fishing, swimming, or recreation. Lakes can also provide habitat for many aquatic plants and animals. Lakes need regular care and management to prevent pollution, sedimentation, eutrophication, and invasive species.
• Streams: These are flowing bodies of water that move from higher to lower elevations. Streams can be natural or artificial, and they can vary in size, speed, and direction. Streams can provide water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, or drinking. Streams can also support biodiversity and ecological processes. Streams need regular care and management to prevent erosion, flooding, contamination, and habitat loss.
• Wetlands: These are areas where the land is saturated with water for part or all of the year. Wetlands can be natural or artificial, and they can include marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, or peatlands. Wetlands can provide many benefits such as water filtration, flood control, carbon storage, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Wetlands need regular care and management to prevent drainage, filling, pollution, and degradation.
• Fountains: These are structures that spray water into the air for decorative or functional purposes. Fountains can be indoor or outdoor, and they can be made of various materials such as stone, metal, glass, or plastic. Fountains can enhance the beauty and ambiance of a place, as well as provide cooling and humidifying effects. Fountains need regular care and maintenance to prevent clogging, corrosion, leakage, and damage.
• Pools: These are artificial basins that hold water for swimming or other aquatic activities. Pools can be above ground or in ground, and they can be made of various materials such as concrete, fiberglass, vinyl liner, or tile. Pools can provide fun and exercise for people of all ages and abilities. Pools need regular care and maintenance to prevent algae growth, bacterial infection, chemical imbalance, and structural problems.

Activities

There are a variety of activities that privately owned bodies of water may be used for.

Productive

• Fishing
• Amenity for cattle.
• Water retention.
• Fire management.

Recreational

• Swimming
• Boating
• Property Beautification

Locations

There are a variety of locations that privately owned bodies of water may be found.

Industrial

Small basins are often used to have a reservoir as part of a fire management strategy.

Commercial

Some commercial properties use small bodies of water for beautification, making their properties stand out.

Agricultural

Small ponds are sometimes used in meadows as an amenity for livestock.

Recreational

Large properties may have ponds or small lakes for recreational and hobby purposes.