I have a backhoe and a stream and want to create a lake to swim in.
I'm looking for info on what to do and what not to do in order to end
up with a nice, clean, sustainable 1-10 acre lake. I need to know
where to dig, how deep, if I need to line the basin, stuff like that.
Leads to a known good book(s) would be fine.

Hi there,

Sounds like a grand project; best of luck to you.

The following are some resources:
From the Cornell University site, this page contains a link to all
sorts of websites regarding the construction and maintaining of a
recreational pond.  The information contained here are generally by
universities and government agencies; you can expect an extensive
unbiased assistance.
http://www.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/fish/Pond/otherresources.htm?otherresourcesdoc.htm~mainFrame

To find information and speak to lake/large pond construction
professionals:
The Pond Company
"Lake construction nowadays, is not just restricted to the fortunate
few with a stream flowing through their site. Lake construction or
large pond design is the development of techniques by which anyone
with a few acres can achieve the perfect complement to a converted
barn or farmhouse."
http://www.the-pond-company.co.uk/lake_construction.html

Lake and Pond Construction
For design, construction and management.
http://www.soilandwater.com/Pond.htm

To seal your soil and fill the empty lake with water, ESS13 is an
option you might want to consider
http://www.ess13.com/empty.htm


Hope this has helped,
Regards,
Tox-ga

Check out http://aquahabitat.com/building_lakes.html

Talk to your lawyer also, no idea what
the implications are, but you could have
issues with whoever lives downstream
of it.  Don't want to have this lesson
taught to you the hard way.