How do i construct a dam on a small creek?

Question

i have a small creek running through my property and i want to know how to build a small dam. i have already tried putting a dirt dam but it doesn't hold the water well. any ideas?

Answer 1

without dropping a lot of money use heavy rocks-build it in a manner that the flow will go over the middle to stop it from eroding your property-over time you will have to add a few more here and there to control the flow

Answer 2

I don't know where you live, but you could get in a LOT of trouble doing this.  If stopping the water flow adversely affects anything upstream, someone WILL notice and quickly report it.  Resource Protection personnel have a lot of authority and this could get very expensive; especially if you damage any Protected Wetlands!

Answer 3

Densely stacking medium to large sized rocks across the stream should hold pretty well. Dirt and silt will slowly pile up behind the dam.

There is a stream near my house with a rock dam that has been there for at least 18 years. All of the neighborhood's garbage also seems to collect there.

Answer 4

got to home depot, buy 5-10 peices of 4 foot REBAR, some high strength zip ties & some corrugated plastic(in the roofing area).   Hammer the rebar into the river with a sledgehammer, and zip tie the plastic in on the high side ov the river. bam.   50 bucks, and problem solved.

Answer 5

Well, I wouldnt want to dampen your spirit, but I would seriously suggest that you check with the nearest Department of Natural Resources office to see if you are allowed to put a dam across the creek.  Many states have laws restricting a landowners options when it comes to creeks, streams, lakes, etc.  I know that in Missouri, it is an extensive process.... you have to have studies done in advance as to how it will affect the water quality, and wildlife, planning permission, inspections, etc, etc....

I recently read an article where one gentleman made some improvements to a stream running across his property, and he got into quite a legal hassle over it.  

So, check with the DNR first.... and if they approve, they will have resources you can check on, as to how to go about it.

Good Luck

Answer 6

What does that small creek do during the heavy rainy season?  I think you might find that damming your creek might be a larger problem then first thought.  Keep in mind that a spillway is needed and that if your dam breaks and all the water you have held back goes down stream at once and does damage, you are at risk for law-suit.   I don't believe DNR or any government has the right to say what you can do on your land but if you build and it fails, watch out for the law-suits and jail time.