Windham NH – Earthen Pond Renovation

40′ x 100′ Earthen Pond Renovation in Windham, NH

This 40′ x 100′ earthen pond renovation in Windham, New Hampshire was a project focused on improving both the function and enjoyment of an existing pond. The homeowners wanted to restore the pond, improve water circulation and clarity, and add a waterfall that could be enjoyed from the house.
Our work began with mucking out the existing pond, removing accumulated organic material and sediment from the bottom. Over time, earthen ponds can collect substantial amounts of muck, which can contribute to poor water quality and reduce the overall depth and health of the pond. Removing that material provided a cleaner starting point for the renovated pond and allowed us to address the circulation of the system as part of the project.

Access presented one of the larger logistical challenges. Because of the size and location of the pond, we needed to establish a workable path around the perimeter for equipment and construction. More than 100 tons of material were imported to build an access path around the pond, creating the necessary working surface while also improving access to the property surrounding the pond.

One of the primary design elements was a new waterfall on the far side of the pond. The location was intentional: the waterfall was positioned so that it could be seen from the house rather than being hidden away at the edge of the property. This allows the homeowners to enjoy both the visual movement and sound of the waterfall from inside the home.
The waterfall rises approximately 4 feet and incorporates two distinct drops. Large stones were used to establish the structure and create a natural transition between the different levels. The resulting waterfall provides a noticeable focal point without overwhelming the scale of the existing 40′ x 100′ pond.

We also constructed an intake bay as part of the renovation to help promote circulation throughout the pond. Improving circulation is particularly important in a large earthen pond, where stagnant areas can contribute to inconsistent water quality. The intake helps draw water through the system and toward the waterfall, creating continuous movement and helping distribute water throughout the pond.
Since completing the renovation, the homeowners have noticed a significant improvement in the way they experience the pond. Improved water clarity has made the pond more enjoyable to look at, while the sound of moving water from the new waterfall provides another sensory element that wasn’t present before.
The pond also provides an entirely different experience during the winter. When temperatures drop and the pond freezes, the homeowners enjoy using the frozen surface for ice skating, turning the same landscape feature into a seasonal recreational space.

This Windham project demonstrates that renovating an existing earthen pond can be about much more than simply removing sediment. By improving access, removing accumulated muck, adding circulation through an intake bay, and introducing a large waterfall positioned for visibility from the home, we were able to transform an existing pond into a more functional and enjoyable part of the property.
Today, the pond serves multiple purposes throughout the year—from the sound and movement of the waterfall during the warmer months to ice skating once winter arrives—while providing the homeowners with a clearer, healthier, and more enjoyable pond to experience from both inside and outside their home.