A waterfall spillway is provided and has a front wall with a top portion and a bottom portion as well as a back wall substantially parallel with the front wall and having top, central, and bottom portions. A base wall is also included and connects the bottom portion of the front wall with the bottom portion of the back wall. A cavity is formed between the front wall and the back wall. A shelf extends from the top portion of the front wall, and is substantially parallel with the base wall. One or more of the side spillways may also be included.