Small ponds, sometimes called "private" ponds, are here defined as those which are artificial and located entirely on one property. Listed below are several documents developed and distributed by the Vermont Water Quality Division to provide guidance and hopefully answer many of the common questions we receive relative to pond construction and maintenance activities. (Please note that a legal defintion of "private pond" is located on page 3 of "Instructions for Permit Applications. ")

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to provide individual technical assistance to small pond owners. In the Vermont Pond Construction Guidelines booklet we have included a partial list of pond consultants, derived from our file records and personal contacts, which may be of further assistance to you.

• Vermont Pond Construction Guidelines (pdf, 107 KB)
• What You Should Know About Constructing a Pond or Dam (pdf, 76 KB)
• Only You...Can Save Your Lake (Tips for healthy waters for lake and pond shoreland owners.)
• Information on Controlling Nuisance Aquatic Plants and Algae (pdf, 52 KB)
• What is Algae? (pdf, 118 KB)
• Aquatic Nuisance Control Permit Program (General information, including which activities require a permit, and application, review and appeal processes.)
• Instructions for Permit Applications (pdf, 111 KB)
• Aquatic Plant Management Contractors (pdf, 112 KB)

If you decide to use a chemical to control a weed or algae problem in your pond, please contact the Water Quality Division for a permit application.

Updated: April 2008