Ponds in southern Ontario: A case study of management and hydrology

This thesis is an investigation of pond management, hydrology and water quality in southern Ontario. Specifically this thesis investigates through field research the hydrologic function and water quality of one groundwater-fed pond. Secondly through landowner interviews, the study documents pond management and examines landowner values towards their pond and attitudes toward pond water quality. The two parts are integrated in the recommendations for the development of a pond assessment tool for landowners.;Results of this study show through a water budget analysis the change in pond level over the summer. A simplified pond hydrology model was developed with suggestions for assessment tools landowners could use on their ponds. Landowners place a high aesthetic value on their ponds and agree that water quality is important to pond use. This thesis examines factors which will enhance the development of a pond assessment tool for rural landowners in southern Ontario.