A system and method for installing a membrane-lined wall for levee reinforcement or leak prevention. The installation system may comprise a sled positioned above the trench having a length, and may comprise a frame and support members, and a weight suspension system mounted on the frame to lower an elongated weight into the trench. The liner installation sled may also include a liner roller rotatably mounted on the frame, the liner roller adapted to hold a roll of a liner above the surface on a first side of the trench when the liner installation sled is in an installation position relative to the trench, wherein a longitudinal axis of the roll of liner can be aligned with the length of the trench. The elongated weight is usable to force the liner into the trench.