[{"id":2191,"date":"2026-09-04T17:42:55","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T17:42:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/upstate\/?p=2191"},"modified":"2026-09-04T17:42:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T17:42:57","slug":"why-are-some-ponds-still-so-low","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/upstate\/why-are-some-ponds-still-so-low\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are Some Ponds Still So Low?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Christopher LeMaster<\/strong>, Livestock and Forage Agent<\/em>, Clemson Extension
Heather Nix<\/strong>, Water Resources Agent<\/em>, Clemson Extension<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to believe we\u2019re still talking about drought when you drive around and see lush, green pastures. While we\u2019ve been very fortunate to receive some recent rainfall, you can still see quite a few nearly dry ponds across the landscape.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many livestock producers rely on groundwater-fed ponds to provide drinking water for their animals. Several producers have contacted us with concerns that their ponds remain unseasonably dry despite the rain. Some of the recent groundwater maps from the South Carolina Drought Response Committee\u2014including the groundwater drought monitor for August 15\u201321, 2026<\/a>\u2014suggest that groundwater levels may still be declining in some parts of the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One possible explanation is that rainfall and groundwater conditions are not always telling the same story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This distinction matters because a heavy rainstorm can produce plenty of runoff without fully replenishing groundwater. If the soil is dry or compacted, or if rainfall arrives in a rapid, intense event, much of that water may move quickly into ditches and flow swiftly downstream. It may not soak deeply enough to restore groundwater supplies, which maintain the steady seeps and springs that support healthy ponds and normal streamflow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our rapidly developing areas may also be a contributing factor. As vegetated areas are replaced by roads, rooftops, parking areas, and other impervious surfaces, more rainfall runs off the ground surface and less water can infiltrate into the soil. Over time, that can significantly reduce groundwater recharge and change how water moves through a watershed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many ponds also began the summer below normal after an exceptionally dry fall and winter. High temperatures then increased evaporation rates, accelerating declining water levels further than expected during typical droughts. So even though the landscape looks green again, some water resources are still recovering from the earlier deficit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, drought is not the only possible explanation for a low pond. The following questions may help pond owners identify some possible causes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n