Northpark Pond Liners Being Installed

8/26/26 – Contractors are currently installing liners in the two entry ponds that bracket Northpark Drive at US59. See the north pond below.

*Photo courtesy of Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority.*

The liner is a geomembrane made out of high density polyethylene. It takes at least 240 pounds/inch to break the liner.

Ponds Will Serve Two Purposes

To motorists, the ponds will look like decorative lakes at the entrance to the community. However, they also play another important role as stormwater retention basins.

The difference between the water surface level and top of bank represents capacity for excess stormwater storage. The increase in impervious cover associated with expansion of the roadway will create additional runoff and the ponds will help retain that, reducing flood risk.

Closing on Property for Well Will Be Key to Pond Completion

On 7/24/26, I wrote a brief update about the entry ponds. Two things were holding up completion.

Closing on property for the well that would fill the ponds when rainwater doesn’t
The need to cover the pond liners to keep sunlight from damaging them.

The plan is to cover the liners with a foot of dirt. That should protect them from harmful UV rays.

De Leon previously said he hopes to close on the property for the well during the first week of October 2026 and have the ponds filled by the end of October.

According to De Leon, “We still have to get the permit approved by the subsidence district and schedule the sub-contractor to dig the well. Then we need electricity to operate it. If we get rain before all that happens, they could easily fill by themselves.”

Multiple Purposes of Pond Liners

The primary purpose of a pond liner in a decorative community-entrance pond is to keep the water in the pond rather than allowing it to infiltrate into the surrounding soil. But it serves several related functions.

Prevents seepage and water loss. This is especially important in sandy, gravelly, fractured, or otherwise permeable soils. Without a liner, maintaining the desired water level could require continual makeup water.
Maintains a stable appearance. Decorative ponds are usually designed around a particular water-surface elevation. A liner helps keep shorelines, fountains, waterfalls, and landscaping looking as designed.
Reduces operating costs. Less water has to be added to compensate for infiltration, which can substantially reduce water bills and pumping requirements.
Provides some isolation from groundwater and soil. A liner can limit exchange between pond water and groundwater and reduce the migration of dissolved minerals or contaminants in either direction.
Helps control vegetation and erosion. Liners can discourage deeply rooted aquatic plants and prevent the pond bottom from eroding.