A spillway should always be provided for emergency drainage when excessive rains occur. Spillways can be excavated channels or can be constructed with piping equipped with trash racks. Pipe spillways are generally of two types: drop-inlet, which simply have an open end at the top, or hooded-inlet, which have a protective structure mounted around the top of the pipe to prevent floating material from clogging the pipe and draw water out of the pond from several feet below the surface. Both of these types of pipe spillways pass through the levee. Excavated spillways at the top of the levee may also be required. When needed, they must be wide and flat to avoid erosion and fish losses during heavy water flow. Your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office can provide assistance in planning and designing spillways for private ponds.

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