Digging a stream/pond

[cottonbum]

Hi I live on top of bedrock and thus the lower part of my yard is very saturated for most of the year. Small springs pop up all over the bottom and we have a pond. Along the way down 20-30' elevation loss, I was thinking of digging a stream down to the pond, connecting the surface springs.
My question is, will this help to dry out the surrounding area (pull the water into the stream).
And what is the best way to do this?
Thanks

[rambler]

In my state you need several permits to do drainage, can't drain a wetland and they tell you what is a wetland, it doesn't have to really be wet much.

Then, you are changing the water table is really what you are doing. This is excess water in your ground, it flows inside the soil much like rivers, lakes, and so on that we are familiar with, just happens under ground.

You need to work with how the water flows, if their are any gravel or clay bands in the ground, any bleeding hillsides, and on and on.

Getting tile under the ground 2.5 to 4 foot deep, about 80 feet apart, really works well to do what you want.

Creating a ditch network also works, but leaves a bunch of ditches in your way, and you need to follow the same rules of getting the existing water features properly drained. Also you want to be careful of ditches to not get too steep or they will wash dirt away, greate a gully.

Sorry for my rumblings, in general yes that can work, if it is allowed, but some thought has to go into it.....

Paul

[o&itw]

It is worth a try. plastic drainage tile might work better if your soil is deep enough on the slope. Being a slope, I doubt if you are going to have a problem with the DNR as it is not a wetland, simply a "bench" that water seeps out of. Since you aren't altering existing streams, I think you would be OK. Still, laws vary from state to state, If you live in Oregon for example, you don't have a chance.

[Awnry Abe]

Welcome to HT!

Yes, you can make some surprising changes to springs with seemingly minor excavation. We moved a springy swampy field in a pasture to a spot more to our liking using a French drain. Not knowing the particulars in your case, that is the first thing that comes to mind.

[cottonbum]

Thanks everyone. I think I will try to tinker around some with all your thoughts. This summer has been unbelievable wet in VT. I have standing water throughout my entire property so it is going to be hard to do anything this year.

[highlands]

Originally Posted by cottonbum

will this help to dry out the surrounding area (pull the water into the stream).

Yes.

Originally Posted by cottonbum

And what is the best way to do this?

Trackhoe or backhoe if you have one but a shovel will do the job in a longer time. Sometimes just a pipe is all that is needed to make a difference. Sometimes a little ditching makes a world of difference.

We too are on thin soils on ledge. I've put in a lot of terraces and water roads that help to direct and control the surface water. I've also got a lot of pipes (1" and 2" black plastic mostly) to direct the flow from springs to where I find it most useful. None of our springs produce huge amounts but all put together they're significant flows that supply what we need. The longest waterline is a bit over 2,000' with about 160' of head. Lots of fun and potential.

See:

http://sugarmtnfarm.com/2012/08/06/water-line-pull/

http://sugarmtnfarm.com/2013/06/11/upper-pond-fountain/

Regulations don't tend to kick in around here until you get to large size or are diverting a stream or something. Varies place to place.