Pond Construction

As defined in the Building or Renovating a Pond in Georgia pond guide, ponds used for agricultural purposes (e.g., irrigating crops or watering livestock) may qualify for certain exemptions. A pond used for aesthetic or recreational uses (e.g., subdivision or fishing pond) would be considered a recreational pond.

For a more detailed description of pond regulations and information, please refer to Building or Renovating a Pond in Georgia, Quick Pond Guide for Georgia Landowners, and the Georgia Farm Pond Exemption Guide.

Construction of a New Pond

To build an agricultural pond, you must contact the NRCS, United States Army Corps of Engineers and EPD for permitting. If pond construction is overseen and designed by the NRCS, the pond is exempt from local permitting.

To build a recreational pond, you must contact the United States Army Corps of Engineers, EPD and Morgan County for permitting.

For any pond construction with a dam larger than 25 feet tall or storage of more than 100 acre-feet, please contact the Georgia Dam Safety Program.

Maintenance of an Existing Pond

If you have an existing agricultural pond that needs maintenance, contact the NRCS and complete the Farm Pond Exemption Information Paper for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Certain restrictions will require you to contact EPD.

For maintenance on an existing recreational pond, please contact the United States Army Corps of Engineers, EPD and Morgan County.

For any pond maintenance with a dam larger than 25 feet tall or storage of more than 100 acre-feet, please contact the Georgia Dam Safety Program.