How to Build an Euripus Fountain

Euripus Fountain channels with three ponds and bridge.

A euripus, or channel, is part of a whole garden irrigation system. The channel supplies water to vegetation along the sides of the channel. A basic system of interlocking ponds creates the effect of the euripus fountain, with plants on the sides of the channel. A reservoir and pump at the end of the system brings the water back to the top for recirculation.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Premade pond forms
• Pond liner
• Pond pump and hose
• Shovel
• Level
• Ruler
• Landscaping spray paint
• Exterior caulk
• Coping saw

Plan

1. Draw a map of the area where you want to place the euripus fountain. Note shady and sunny areas on the map for selection of plants, and select the location for optional fountains and other water features within your euripus fountain to add movement. Include water plants and vegetation along the sides to be watered by the euripus fountain.

2. Select pre-made ponds from a local home improvement center for each section of the euripus system based on the size of the garden and how many sections you need for the space available. One pond section with a single channel from the water source would be suitable for this design. Sections should be at least 2 feet apart and will be joined together with a pond liner to create channels between them.

3. Use a landscaping spray paint to mark all of the areas of your euripus system on the ground.

4. Contact an electrician to bring electric service to the area to power the pumps and fountain features. Use the design as a guide for the electric service so the electrician can plan according to your layout.

Excavate

1. Lay each section of purchased pond forms in position and dig the soil from underneath each section. Each pond form needs to be at least 4 inches lower than the previous section so gravity will move water from one section to the next. For each section of the euripus system, hold a level on the edge of the higher pond section. Excavate the following pond to be at least 4 inches from the preceding pond by measuring the distance from the bottom of the level to the edge of the lower pond.

2. Place each pond form section in the excavated areas.

3. Fill any gaps between the soil and sides of the pond section with soil removed during excavation and tamp down firmly to prevent water from laying around the sides of the pond sections.

4. Use a coping saw to cut a U-shaped notch in each pond form to add channels between each section. Cut the U-shaped notch approximately 6 inches below the rim of each pond form and approximately 8 inches wide.

5. Excavate the soil between each section to be level with the U-shaped notches between each pond form and lay pond liner in the channel.

6. Use exterior caulk to attach the pond liner to each section. Use a significant amount on each section to prevent leaks.

7. Install the return pump in the lowest pond section and run the tubing to the highest pond to recirculate the water.

Fill, Test and Finish

1. Fill the system with water and check for leaks in the connecting channels before adding plants or water features.

2. Add plants and fountains as planned in your design to the system.

3. Monitor the system to maintain proper water height.

4. Overfill occasionally to provide runoff for vegetation planted on the sides of the system.