I have used the following approach, which requires no signs.  This is a cross sectional view, you can repeat this pattern as many times as you want.

    DC C CD         <-chickens
    DWFFFFD         <-chicken pool water
    DDDDDFDD        
    DDDDDFFFFFFF    <-collection Stream 
    DDDDDDDDDDDDD   <- Collection point on top of last D in this diagram
    Legend:
    D -> dirt
    C -> Chicken 
    W -> Water Source
    F -> Flowing Water