Sustainable Sodium Bentonite Processing & Mining
Why Ponds Lose Water and How Bentonite Helps
Many ponds lose water because the soil at the bottom is permeable. Sandy, porous soils can allow water to slowly seep through the ground.
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Bentonite helps reduce this seepage by forming a sealing layer within the soil.
When hydrated, sodium bentonite swells and helps forms a low-permeability sealing layer in the soil. This helps slow water movement and reduce pond water loss.
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This sealing effect can help improve water retention in ponds, lagoons, and containment areas.
Choose the Pond Situation That Best Matches
Use the guide below to identify the sealing approach that best fits your pond condition.
Building a New Pond
For new pond construction or pond bottoms that can be prepared before filling.
​​​​Recommended sealing approach:
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Mixed Soil Method - bentonite is mixed into the upper soil layer and compacted.
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Blanket Method - bentonite is spread across the pond bottom, covered with soil, and compacted.
Typical product options:
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PolarSeal™ SL Fine Granular
PolarSeal™ SL Granular
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Good for:
Farm Ponds
Livestock Ponds
Irrigation Reservoirs
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Slow Water
Loss or ​
General
Seepage
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For existing ponds where water loss is gradual and no obvious large crack or leak path is visible.
​Recommended sealing approach:
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Broadcast Method - if the pond is not drained, granular bentonite is spread directly onto the water surface over the leaking area to help reduce water loss.
Typical product option:
PolarSeal™ SL Granular
​Good for:
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existing ponds with seepage
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maintenance applications
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general leak mitigation
Localized Leak, Crack, or Larger Seepage Path
For ponds with a more concentrated leak area, visible crack, or suspected seepage channel.
Recommended sealing approach:
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Targeted leak repair - coarser granular materials may be used where leakage is more concentrated.
​​Typical product options:
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PolarSeal™ 3/8" Special
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Good for:
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localized leak repair
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visible cracks
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site-specific repair situations
Product selection may vary depending on pond condition, seepage severity, installation method, and current product availability. Site conditions may affect the most suitable repair material and application method. This gide is intended for general website use only.​​
Estimate Material Needed
Use the guide below to estimate the amount of bentonite needed for your pond sealing project. Bentonite requirements are estimated based on pond area and an assumed application rate by weight. Actual field coverage and placement thickness may vary depending on bulk density, soil conditions, and installation method.
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How the Estimate Works
Pond Area
Pond Area (sq ft) = Length × Width
Estimated Bentonite Required
Estimated Bentonite Required (lb)
= Pond Area × Typical Estimating Rate
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Standard Order Units
1 bulk bag=approximately 2,200lb
1 pallet=2,100lb (42bags*50lb per pallet)
Estimated Bulk Bags Needed = Total Bentonite Required(lb) ÷ 2,200lb
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Estimated Pallets Needed= Total Bentonite Required(lb) ÷ 2,100lbs
Important Note:
These estimates are provided for general website guidance only.
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Actual material requirements may vary depending on:
soil type and permeability installation method, site preparation seepage severity, material bulk density and field placement conditions
Typical Estimating Rate
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Mixed Soil Method: 1.5 lb / sq ft
Blanket Method: 3.0 lb / sq ft
Broadcast Method: Site dependent
Example ​Pond Area:
50 ft × 40 ft = 2000 sq ft
Mixed Soil Method :
2000 sq ft × 1.5 lb / sq ft = 3000 lb
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Estimated order quantity:
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3,000 ÷ 2,200 = 1.36 bulk bags → order 2 bulk bags
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3,000 ÷ 2,100 = 1.43 pallets → order 2 pallets
​Blanket Method:
2000 sq ft × 3.0 lb / sq ft = 6000 lb
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Estimated order quantity:
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6,000 ÷ 2,200 = 2.73 bulk bags → order 3 bulk bags
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6,000 ÷ 2,100 = 2.86 pallets → order 3 pallets
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Estimated Bentonit Required for Broadcast Method / Leak Repair Note:
Broadcast application is typically used for repairing leaking ponds or localized seepage.
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For existing ponds with seepage, granular bentonite is the standard starting material for broadcast applications.
For localized leaks, visible cracks, or larger seepage paths, coarser granular materials may also be considered.
Mixed-size materials may be considered in selected repair situations, depending on pond conditions.
Recommended Product Options
Based on your pond condition, application method and estimated material needs,
the following WCC product options may be suitable for your project.
Standard order units currently available include 1 bulk bag or 1 pallet (42 bags x 50lb), depending on product type and availability.
Coarse Granular
PolarSeal™ 3/8" Special
Coarse Granular Bentonite for localized leak repair and selected repair conditions where a larger particle size may be preferred.
Best suited for:
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Localized leak repair
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Visible cracks or seepage paths
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Selected repair applications
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Need a different coarse granular size? Additional options may be available upon request.
Truckload or Large Project Supply
For truckload quantities, bulk supply, or project-specific pond sealing requirements, please contact info@westernclaycorp.com for project pricing and logistics support.
Current product availability and packaging format may vary depending on production timing and order volume.