A step-by-step guide for Austin-area pond owners
One quiet morning in Dripping Springs, a homeowner called us worried. Overnight, her pond had dropped several inches, leaving the tops of her decorative shelf stones sticking out above the waterline. She hadn’t seen that happen in all the years since we built her pond.
For her, this wasn’t just a backyard pond—it was her sanctuary. But now, instead of peace, she was left asking: Where is all the water going?
If you have a pond anywhere in South Austin, Driftwood, Oak Hill, Buda, or the Hill Country, you might know exactly how that feels. A drop in water level can be nothing more than normal evaporation… or a sign of a hidden leak. Figuring out which is which is the first step to getting your pond back to normal.
First: Rule Out Natural Water Loss
Before jumping into “pond detective” mode, remember this—ponds naturally lose water. With our Texas heat and wind, evaporation can easily take 1–2 inches a week. But if your pond is losing more than that, or if the drop happens overnight, it’s time to take a closer look.
Step 1: Test with the System Running
Grab a stick or ruler marked in half-inch increments and place it at the pond’s edge where it’s easy to see. Snap a photo every 24 hours. This simple “water ruler” helps you track exactly how much water is disappearing and how fast.
If the water drops significantly while your pump is running, the problem could be in your plumbing, skimmer, or waterfall—but we’ll confirm that next.
Step 2: The Static Test
Now it’s time to isolate the pond basin from the waterfall and stream.
- Turn off the pump and refill your pond to its normal level.
- Keep oxygen flowing with an aerator or backup bubbler for your fish.
- Continue snapping daily photos of your water ruler for 24 to 48 hours.
If the water level holds steady now, congratulations! You’ve narrowed the leak down to the waterfall or stream area—one of the most common trouble spots we see around Austin.
Step 3: Watch the Pond Basin
If your pond water still drops after the pump is off, the leak is likely in the basin.
Keep tracking until the water loss slows or stops. That final waterline usually points to where the leak is—whether a liner tear, a rock that’s shifted, or tree roots poking through.
Common Culprits in Central Texas Ponds
- Soil settling or rocks moving after heavy rains (especially in Driftwood or Buda)
- Roots from thirsty trees like willows or cottonwoods near Oak Hill homes
- Water splashing out from lively waterfalls (we see this often in Dripping Springs)
- Loose fittings or worn plumbing seals after years of use
Bringing Your Pond Back to Life
Once you know the source, repairs get straightforward—whether it’s patching liner tears, sealing plumbing joints, or reshaping a waterfall edge. The key is not wasting time (or water) guessing.
We’ve helped dozens of Austin-area pond owners solve these water loss mysteries—from cozy koi ponds to sprawling water gardens. If your pond is losing water and you want clear answers, we’re ready with the tools and know-how to help.