After a December 2016 commencement on campus, the Reflecting Pond – in front of the John C. Hitt Library – was drained and began evaluation for repairs.
The draining took place over the Winter break, where the pond needed 5-7 days without retaining water while workers assessed the pond to effectively determine if groundwater contamination has been developing in the water.
During the dry period, workers repaired distribution pipes between the fountain’s sprayer and pump. At fault was a crack in one of the pipes that allowed dirt to make its way through the pumps and into the pond where a muddy discoloration grew.
A structural engineer will examine the 225,000-gallon campus landmark and find a solution to returning the pond to like-new condition.
The structure of the pond has remained largely unchanged over the years, with the primary additions being a sprayer and light renovation in 2000 and a pump and filtration system repair and replacement that prioritizes as needed.
The soon-to-be 50-year-old Reflecting Pond is expected to return to normal operations on January 13, 2017.
