Cob: Cob ponds?

[John Fordice]

Michael,
Lining ponds with clay to retain the water is an old practice.
Clay is expansive and will seal itself when it is wet.
In fact Bentonite clay is manufactured in panels and used for
subterranean waterproofing of buildings.
I suspect that just about any heavy clay will work.
Might be an interesting thing to search on the net & let the list know
what you find out.

I don't think that there is any good reason to make cob to line the
pond.  The more clay in the soil the better I suspect for pond lining
purposes and the introduction of straw into a clay pond liner would
probably just serve to make it less waterproof.

john fordice

> Michael Bowen wrote:
> 
> First I would like to say "hello" to the list and let you know that I
> am psyched to find this cob community!
> 
> I am currently digging a hole in my yard for a pond and have noticed
> that the rain fall in the past 2 days has not drained out. I have a
> very heavy clay soil and was wondering if I could create a cob pond
> that would last for a while?(really not into spending several hundred
> dollars on a plastic liner that my dog could puncture-he is 120lb
> bernese mtn dog that loves the water) I understand that cob will wear
> a way in a heavy rain situation but was unsure if sitting water would
> have the same effect? Any ideas are appreciated!
> 
> Also was wondering what your favorite books for learning cob are? I
> currently do not own any, but would like to purchase some soon.
> 
> I am new to list am excited to learn more about the art of cobbing!
> 
> Michael
> 
> In Upstate NY