How do you build a waterfall in a small stream about 10' to 15' wide?

Answer 1

First of all you'd have to create a higher water level for the structure to actually allow water to FALL. If there is a natural grade to the stream it may be easier than building a DAM.

To disrupt or alter the natural flow of a moving body of water may please you aesthetically, but it will have consequences, though not strictly, neccesarily life threatening.

10 to 15 feet wide is a fairly large undertaking, and unless the stream is already naturally flowing DOWNhill, you'll have to raise the UPPER water level.

You don't mention anything about depth, or rate of flow, or any seasonal changes in the depth and flow that might occur. If the stream happens to just meander, what you might cause by daming to creat a FALL, will certainly increase depth at the Upper end, as well as width, and may in fact aid in stagnating the water.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

You can build a single dam or a series of dams across the stream, and varying the flow from side to side may make it look more natural. However a 10' to 15' stream is very wide. My guess is all the work you put in will be washed away with the first flood, even if you cement the dam material.

Furthermore, in many areas of the country it is illegal to change the stream bed in any way. There are often environmental concerns. Where I live my homeowners association must review any changes to streams in our community. Better check on this as you could be fined.

Answer 3

You can divert some water from higher up stream (with a channel or piping), to feed a pond with a spill over.

If the stream has an incline so it drops 4 feets over a 50 feet length, then take water with a sudden 6 inch drop at the top of the stream, then a slight incline over the 50 feet so it drops another 6 inches in that distance. You can then build a 3 foot waterfall.
The height of the water fall depends on the topography.
This system needs no pumps - just gravity

Is this a stream that flows through a small property, or are you building a water feature in a backyard?
otherwise, you could give the white water effect with artificial obsticles in the stream so water flows faster to get around and has bumps and troughs.
I am thinking of a horse shoe shapes pool used for white water kayaking in the Sydney Olympics ... it may be very different from you first thoughts, but may be an impressive water feature to scale to your area as a water feature.

Answer 4

Initially build a dam, across the stream. This will cause the water to back up, and may flood a small area. Make the dam lower then the banks of the stream. The water will flow over it, and cause a waterfall. If you use natural rocks, then it will appear to be a natural occurrence and not man made. You might want to check with your neighbors prior to building the dam, to make sure that they won't object.

Answer 5

A waterfall has more to do with a drop in ground than with the width of the stream. If the area around the stream is flat, you will have to excavate to create a drop or fall. This is expensive and "artificial". However if the stream is flowing down a hill, place rocks in its path to create a more dramatic cascade than the original gentle flow.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

one way is to add a small decorative pond and have it flow into the main stream and drop it off... you will need a pump and all the goodies.

Answer 8

hire me................thats a fun project.i need more info.but ther's a blizzard out side and i gotta say....more info.............in some places you need permits and have to make sure yr not interferring with down stream activities...i'm me lets chatt this.it's my kinda job