If you’re considering lining your pond or dam you’ll no doubt be shopping around for the best option for you, especially if you have fish and wildlife to look after. EPDM liner is a great solution if you have any birds, fish, frogs, or other kinds of wildlife because it’s environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
EPDM is a highly popular choice for any pond or dam owners concerned about fish or wildlife. But why? We explain below where we look at all things EPDM liner, from what it is to the features that make it an excellent choice.
What is an EPDM Liner?
EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer and it’s a kind of pond/ dam liner that’s known for its excellent strength and durability. This popular material is a synthetic rubber and it’s got a great reputation, making it an incredibly popular choice.
And why? Because it’s:
- Extremely durable
- UV resistant
- Flexible in both hot and cold conditions
- Long-lasting (we’re talking 50+ years with proper care)
Is EPDM Pond Liner Safe for Fish?
Are you searching for a liner for your pond or dam? Are you wondering which ones are safe for fish? With EPDM, the bottom line is that yes, these pond liners are safe for fish and all other kinds of wildlife. Rollgum specifically, is a brand of EPDM liner that’s extremely high quality and works effectively to give you the best results.
You can rest assured that this kind of liner won’t emit toxic chemicals into the water that’ll kill or harm fish and other organisms. Some liners have harmful additives or plasticisers added to them, which can be very detrimental to anything living in or drinking from the water.
Rollgum EPDM liner is a great choice if you want to protect aquatic life and other kinds of wildlife living nearby.
When you’re shopping for liners, look for ones that are:
- Labelled “fish-safe”
- Approved for aquatic life
- Certified for potable water use or NSF-certified
Why Should Wildlife Safety Be on Your Radar?
If you’re designing a pond that will attract frogs, turtles, birds, or beneficial insects (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that?), the materials you choose need to be as kind to the environment as they are to your eyes.
Here’s what makes EPDM such a great choice:
- No chemical runoff: It’s non-toxic and stable, so it won’t release harmful substances into the water. As a result, this will help to keep all the wildlife living or drinking it safe.
- Safe contact surface: Reptiles and amphibians can touch it without risk.
- Plant-friendly: Encourages native aquatic plant growth without interference.
- Built to last (for decades!): A well-installed EPDM liner means your pond will stay stable and healthy for years, possibly even generations. Rollgum liners come with a 20-year warranty and some EPDM liners installed over 50 years ago are still going strong today!
- Helps prevent erosion: Flash floods and shifting soil can damage habitats and stress out animals. An EPDM liner keeps your pond or dam in its original shape, protecting the delicate balance of your mini ecosystem.
- Minimises water loss: Less seepage means your pond holds water better, even during hot summers. To keep fish calm, plants thriving, and other aquatic life safe from stress, steady water levels are crucial.
EPDM vs PVC: Which Is Safer?
Although PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) liners are more affordable, they often contain plasticisers and stabilisers, and these release harmful substances into pond or dam water, especially when the weather is warm. PVC can also become brittle over time, which increases the risk of tears and exposure to the soil or contaminants beneath.
But, EPDM stays flexible in both hot and cold conditions and is significantly more resistant to wear, UV exposure, and environmental stress. Therefore, if you’re creating a wildlife-friendly or koi pond, EPDM is the better choice.
A Quick Word on Livestock & Wildlife Safety
If you’re installing a liner in a dam or larger pond, one important factor to consider is animal access. EPDM gets slippery when it’s wet and if livestock such as sheep or cattle walk in, they might not be able to get out safely, and this poses a risk of injury or drowning. Plus, their hooves can also puncture the liner, causing even more issues to arise.
The best practice? Install a stock trough that draws water from the dam using a pump or siphon and this way, your liner remains protected and your livestock stays safe.
And for wild visitors like kangaroos or wallabies? Consider gentle slopes and textured entry points. Or even install an escape like a rope ladder or coir mat. These simple additions can make a big difference in keeping wildlife (and your investment) safe.
Final Thoughts
With so many benefits and reasons why it’s the most popular choice, you can’t go wrong with the Rollgum EPDM liner. From goldfish to green tree frogs, and from dragonflies to ducks, your pond can be a peaceful home for all kinds of life. Just start with the right foundation and go from there, the wildlife will thank you for it!
At Water Quality Solutions we try and test all of the products we sell, and Rollgum is no exception. Tried, tested, and trusted by us, you can rest assured wildlife and aquatic life is in safe hands. If you’d like to purchase this high-quality liner today, take a look at our website. Or, for more information and expert advice, get in touch with us today.