There are a lot of details that could significantly affect an estimate like this, to anywhere from a few days to a few months. Some initial questions would be where are you planning to locate it? Is the site free of trees and located in a natural depression with few rocks and loamy soil? Essentially, the more no’s you have to those questions, the longer it’s going to take to build. Next, what kind of equipment are you using to excavate and move the material, and how experienced are the operators? Obviously, a shovel and willpower alone will take approximately an eternity, but even a large backhoe or bulldozer can require weeks of work, depending on even more factors, such as the pond’s depth, whether it requires building a dam, if it has an irregular shape, and how many cubic yards of material will ultimately need to be removed. You’ll also need to consider what time might be devoted to hauling off material or digging out stumps and even blasting rocks. And are you installing your own drainage pipes?
If no weather events interrupt your work, then, a reasonable starting estimate for digging a one acre pond is about a month. It’s a good idea to talk to local contractors who are experienced in excavating ponds to get some estimates. If you’re doing this on your own and renting your equipment, see if you can talk to other landowners in the area for insight on the process and what kinds of obstacles they encountered. You’re not likely to get a firm estimate even from contractors, unless they see the actual site and consider questions like access, utilities, topography and other details. Finally, it’s a good thing to remember that building a pond of this size is a significant investment. You’re best off working with an experienced pond professional for a project like this, rather than the “dirt guy” down the road.
