Firewheel Swim and Recreation Association

Introduction

As you probably know, our pond has leaked for years. We've seen the level drop this year because the board decided to shut off the replacement water on April 16, 2008. In the latter part of May we saw the leak dry up. Please see photos below.

The replacement water was depleting the budget and since the board was facing the challenge of stopping the leak head on, we chose to save money and spare the homeowners a special assessment or dues increase. Some of this money was used for a geo-technical survey of the dam to understand it's weaknesses and hopefully form an action plan.

Unfortunately, the expert opinions and recommendations we received to restore the pond to its previous level were cost prohibitive for the near term. An alternative plan, also suggested by the consultants, was to leave the pond at the level it reached in May, where the leak all but stopped.

We also found that the soil at the base of the retaining wall had eroded significantly. The board decided to correct the erosion problem and then raise the pond level to the maximum, manageable level. We're currently requesting estimates for this work, but in all likelihood, it will be next year before any work can start.

Larry Wortham

Pond Committee Chairman

Firewheel Swim and Recreation Center

For additional information, please see...

Status - History and actions by the board to date

Report - Geo-Technical Exploration (core sampling)

Assessment - The Board's decision process