I like the idea of drinking clean water from a fountain. I also would like a cool pool of water to stand in when it gets hot if I couldn't get under the airconditioner. Some say it promotes foot rot and some say they lost cattle when the pond froze from the cattle falling through the ice. I personally don't know anyone who lost cattle from the ice. I have heard so many pros and cons about ponds. My partner wants to fill in the ponds. I have a feeling that if he was out in the pasture this summer, he would get pretty mad if I drained it while he was standing in it. I need some input on this subject if anyone has an opinion. I am thinking leave the pond and put in an automatic waterer.