Photo: Copyright Christchurch City Council

Ponds can be an interesting and attractive feature on a property - but it's easy to overlook the important features that are essential for their long-term success.

Common problems with ponds include bad smells, insect plagues, algal blooms, aquatic weed infestations and pest fish.  In addition, poorly sited and designed ponds can destroy habitat, degrade water quality and damage streams and wetlands.

This guide provides an overview of the issues and problems faced by people constructing artificial ponds.  It gives some direction on how to plan and design a healthy pond and how to maintain these naturally dynamic systems.  It also provides advice on getting a resource consent.  Depending on what you're planning, you may need specialist ecological and engineering advice.

If you already have a pond you'll find advice here on how to improve water quality, appearance and safety.  This guide does not cover stormwater or effluent treatment.

How your pond works

How to design a good pond