Drought Stricken Pond!

Oh my!  We have basically been in drought mode since July 4th, and it is Sept. 30th today, with a forecast of continuing good weather through October 9th so far.  In fact the weekend of the 7th is supposed to be back up to 22c.  It wouldn't be so bad if were weren't on a well, but relying on a well during a drought means conservation at all costs, and that in turn means the garden suffers.  I am not going to even talk about how the garden is looking, as I know that it will come back next year, and we did enjoy it through most of the summer.  It is the pond we worry about and our special fishies!!   The lack of rain has really taken its toll on the water level in the pond.  We figure it is down over 3 feet, and the fountain can't be lowered any more.  The fountain just circulates the pond water, but we will soon have to turn it off completely before the motor is exposed.  Normally the pond is safe from the herons thanks to our fishing line barriers, but the water has receded well below the protective areas and the herons are coming every day now.  Thank God for Jake! - so far he has kept them away.  We had a close call late yesterday afternoon with a heron right in the pond, so I was out till dusk re-string lines to make a new barrier.  Hopefully it will deter them till the rains come and fill the pond again.  For now, the fish are still all present and accounted for.  For those of you who have seen our pond in typical conditions, you will be shocked to see the photo below.