Lindencroft Farm: Rainwater Capture in Farm Ponds (Video)

Featured in the Water Stewardship video series produced by the Ecological Farming Association, Lindencroft Farm captures and stores seasonal rainfall in on-farm ponds. This stored water provides a reliable irrigation supply when rainfall becomes scarce during the warmer months, helping stabilize crop production while conserving groundwater and other limited water resources.

Farm ponds function as natural reservoirs that collect runoff from winter rains and surrounding landscapes. Instead of allowing valuable rainwater to quickly leave the property, the farm retains it for future agricultural use. This practice helps farms better manage water availability throughout the growing season and reduces pressure on regional water systems.

Rainwater capture systems also provide important environmental benefits. By slowing and storing runoff, farm ponds can reduce erosion and help prevent sediment from entering nearby waterways. Stored water may also support local wildlife habitat and improve biodiversity across agricultural landscapes.