The construction of an artificial creek in a backyard creates a recirculating water feature that offers both the soothing sound of moving water and a dynamic visual element to the landscape. This type of water feature does not require a continuous external water source; instead, a pump moves water from a hidden basin at the bottom up to a starting point, allowing it to flow back down in a continuous cycle. Building a creek can transform an ordinary space into a tranquil and engaging environment.
Planning and Site Preparation
Before beginning any digging, careful planning ensures the creek will function correctly and safely within the landscape. The location should be chosen for optimal visibility and proximity to a power source for the pump, but also away from large trees whose roots can puncture the liner over time. A safety check is paramount, requiring a call to the national “811” utility line to have all buried cables and pipes marked before any excavation takes place.
The creek’s size and desired flow rate directly influence the necessary materials, particularly the pump. A flow rate of at least 100 gallons per hour for every inch of the waterfall’s width is suggested to create a visible flow. For example, a 12-inch wide stream requires a pump capable of moving 1,200 gallons per hour, adjusted for the vertical distance the water must be pushed. The liner material, typically durable 45 mil EPDM rubber, should cover the entire channel, plus enough overhang for securing the edges. Check with local guidelines, as some areas require permits for significant landscape alterations or water features.
Excavation and Channel Shaping
Excavation begins by establishing the source and end points. The end point is a hidden reservoir or basin, which needs to be dug 18 to 24 inches deep to fully submerge the pump and hold a reserve of water. The stream channel itself should then be dug with a consistent, gentle slope to ensure steady water movement without pooling or rushing too fast.
A recommended slope for a naturalistic flow is about one-half inch of vertical drop for every linear foot of horizontal run. For a 20-foot stream, this results in a total drop of approximately 10 inches, which creates a noticeable but modest current. The channel sides should be dug to create shelves or banks that are level across the stream’s width. These shelves will later support the decorative rocks and gravel, helping to conceal the liner and add visual depth.
Liner and Plumbing Installation
After the excavation is complete, the entire channel and basin must be cleared of all sharp objects, roots, and stones that could compromise the liner. A protective underlayment, typically a synthetic geotextile fabric, is then unrolled over the entire area, acting as a cushion between the soil and the liner to guard against punctures.
The flexible EPDM liner is unfolded and carefully draped over the underlayment, allowing it to conform naturally to the contours of the channel and basin. Ensure a generous overhang of at least 12 inches of liner extends past the perimeter of the stream bed. The pump is then placed inside the excavated reservoir or catch basin, and the flexible tubing, sized to match the pump’s outlet, is run discreetly up the channel. This tubing is routed beneath the liner up to the designated source point.
Aesthetic Finishing and Water Fill
Large anchor rocks and boulders are strategically placed within the channel and at the source. These rocks hold the liner in place, stabilize the banks, and create drops for waterfalls or small rapids. Using a few large rocks to define the waterfalls, rather than many small ones, often results in a more natural appearance and a more controlled water flow.
Smaller river stones and gravel are then spread across the entire bed of the creek, covering the liner and providing a substrate for beneficial bacteria and aquatic plants. The excess liner around the edges is carefully trimmed, leaving a 6 to 12-inch border that is then concealed by pulling soil, turf, or additional decorative stones over it. Finally, the reservoir is filled with water, and once the pump is activated, the water begins its journey up the tubing to the source.