EPDM for pond liner - is it safe?

[davekrista]

Anyone use EPDM for their pond liner? My husband works for a company that recycles it and can probablly bring some home, but someone he works with says it isn't safe for ducks. Anyone use it, and how safe is it. I googled it and get conflicting answers.

 

[chickenlisa]

"EPDM sheeting is used to line and waterproof man made ponds. Most back yard water gardens and koi ponds use an EPDM liner." I found that on Wikipedia...I'd be interested to hear if others use it too- I want to dig our own pond and keep it as inexpensive as possible.

 

[The Duck ABC's]

It's fine, only one problem. Duck nails. They will shred it if you let them use the pond.

 

[davekrista]

This is stuff recycled off roofs.... he was told that something on the epdm is what isn't good... so i'm wondering if maybe it can be cleaned really good and we could still use it.....

 

[The Duck ABC's]

You cannot use it if it is roofing material. Only if it was pond material. There are harmful chemicals in the roofing product that are toxic to fish or birds. It will slowly release into the water. Can't remember 100% what the chemical was, but it isn't good. It's not the EPDM itself, it is just something they add to it when used for roofing.

 

[TLWR]

My research has show that the roofing stuff is usually fine for fish ponds.
Do a search - you'll find lots of info saying both yes and no.

 

[davekrista]

Quote:
I have done a search and that is why i'm confused...... I don't want to hurt my ducks which is why i'm looking others opinions.

 

[KansasKid]

If you want to make sure its safe you can go and get a pond liner form lowes. Depending on how big you want it ranges from 30-100+ mine was $64 10ftx13ft and made a 6x9ft pond and i know they have a liner smaller than that for $30

 

[Talihofarms]

We use EPDM liners in ponds and water features in our landscape business.
Good Year makes an EPDM liner exclusively for ponds.

The problem using recycled EPDM is that there are strong chemicals used on the adhesives when used on commercial roofs.


I would only use virgin materials, the only way to clean the adhesive off is with more chemicals.

The .45 and .60 mil liners will last forever and are extreamly tough, the only down side is that it is a heavy product.


Best of Luck

 

[bundls10]

I have the same question! What type of liner is the best for a duck pond? I am using kids pool right now with drain pipe, it is getting too small as 7 baby ducks are growing and I have 5 ducklings one week old too. So I am digging around now and planning pond 6 x 10 feet. A lot of people on net saying rubber liner (EPDM) is not strong enough for ducks claws and should not be on the sun, it is not UV protected. But if it covered with rocks ( sides and bottom) --- could be used.

I have no rocks, so PVC???? I am going to use Tetra PVC as I read above. Wish me luck!