Image of water flowing from a pipe with text that reads, "Do landscaping water features use a lot of water?" — Do water features run your water constantly? Find out in our latest blog post!

At Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features, we love water features so much, we included them in our name! In all seriousness, we specialize in water features like pondless waterfalls, koi ponds, fountains, and more. Our water feature design and installation services are known for premium quality across Rock Hill, SC, and we love to educate our customers so they can make informed decisions about their outdoor living spaces.

One of the most common questions we get about water features is, “Do water features use a lot of water?” After all, when you watch a bubbling fountain or flowing pondless waterfall, that water has to come from somewhere, right? And if this water comes from your water company, doesn’t that mean you’ll have water constantly running, wracking up crazy utility bills in the process?

Thankfully, water features don’t work like that. In this post, we’re going to explore how water features actually work, where they get their water from, and how much you can expect to pay for water usage with a water feature installed.

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the physics principles at play in a water feature as well as how water features work internally. You’ll also be better equipped to make smart decisions about the types of water features you have installed at your home in Rock Hill, SC.

This post is going to be overflowing with information, so let’s dive on in!

How Do Water Features Work?

Water features don’t constantly use water like a facuet in your home. When you turn on your sink or bath, you’re using water directly from the source. This may be a well, city water, county water or your hot water heater, but you’re drawing from the main water supply.

With a backyard water feature, you’re actually recirculating the water, much like a pool. Backyard water features like fountains use pumps to suck in water, cycle it through lines, and then pump it back out. The only water required for most backyard water features is the initial fill-up that takes place during installation.

Fluid Dynamics at Play

If you want to get scientific about water features, you’ll want to look at the physics principles involved. (Caution: Geeky stuff ahead.) Namely, fluid dynamics play a big part in keeping water flowing through a water feature without having to draw in fresh liquid from your water company or well.

Fluid dynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of fluids in motion. In the case of water features, the fluid in question is water. When water is pumped into a water feature, it enters the system using kinetic energy. This is energy associated with motion.

As the water moves through the pump, it encounters obstacles or changes in direction that cause it to decelerate or change direction. This process is governed by principles such as Bernoulli's equation, which describes the relationship between fluid velocity, pressure, and elevation in a flowing fluid.

Pressure is Essential

Pressure also plays a crucial role in the operation of water feature recirculation pumps. In simple terms, pressure is the force exerted by a fluid on its surroundings. Pressure in a water feature is measured in units of force per unit area.

Recirculation pumps work by creating a pressure differential that drives the flow of water through the system. When the pump draws water from the reservoir or basin of the water feature, it creates a region of low pressure at the inlet, causing water to be drawn into the pump.

image showing water converting into energy converting into money — Efficient energy conversion can save water and money

As the pump gives energy to the water, it increases the pressure within the pump chamber, allowing the water to be expelled through the outlet at a higher pressure than it entered.

This increase in pressure drives the flow of water through the feature, pushing it through pipes and back out through the various spigots and outlets. By controlling the pressure within the system, water feature pumps can regulate the flow rate and velocity of the water, allowing for precise control over the behavior of the water feature.

Energy Conservation Also Plays a Part in Recirculating Water

Energy conservation is a principle in physics that states the total energy of a closed system remains constant over time. In the context of water feature recirculation pumps, energy conservation governs the transfer of energy from the pump to the water and vice versa.

Kinetic Energy Helps the Process

Recirculation pumps typically operate using electric motors to impart kinetic energy to the water. This energy is then converted into potential energy as the water is lifted to higher elevations or directed through nozzles to create jets or sprays.

Throughout this process, some energy is lost; however, by selecting efficient pump designs, minimizing losses through careful system design, and optimizing operating conditions, we can maximize the effectiveness of recirculation while minimizing energy consumption and waste.

So How Much Water Do Water Features Use?

Now that we’ve gotten the science stuff out of the way, let’s take a look at some factors that can affect that actual amount of water used by a typical water feature. Some variables include:

The Size and Scale of Your Water Feature

Larger water features with a lot of surface area or multiple cascades require more water to maintain adequate circulation and visual appeal. Smaller-scale water features, such as tabletop fountains or compact ponds, can be designed to minimize water usage while still providing aesthetic value.

Evaporation and Splashing Take Water Out of the System

One of the primary factors influencing water usage in water features is evaporation. In the Carolinas, we have a warm climate, and that climate remains relatively warm throughout the year. Our winters are mild compared to other parts of the country, and spring tends to start sooner and winter tends to end faster.

During periods of high temperatures and low humidity, evaporation rates increase, requiring more frequent refilling of the reservoir. Additionally, splashing or wind-driven spray can contribute to water loss, particularly in features with vigorous water movement. Over time, this can require water to be added to a water feature.

Design and Efficiency Matter

We covered a lot of the science and tech stuff above, but the design and efficiency of the water feature's circulation system play crucial roles in determining water usage. Modern pumps and filtration systems are designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize water waste, but if you aren’t using the right equipment, water circulation can lead to loss over time.

Maintenance Practices Can Determine Efficiency and Water Loss

Regular water feature maintenance, such as cleaning debris from the reservoir and ensuring proper pump operation, can help optimize water usage and prevent unnecessary waste. Additionally, incorporating features like automatic water level sensors or timers can further enhance efficiency by reducing water loss due to overfilling or neglect.

Water Features Do Not Continually Use Water

At the end of the day, the answer to the question of “Do water features use a lot of water?” is “No”. When installed properly using the right equipment, modern water features are incredibly efficient at recirculating water and keeping it within your system. Water does not run continuously from your water company or well, and you may not need to add much water at all over the course of the warmer months.

Contact Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features to Learn More About Water Features Installation in Rock Hill SC

At Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features, we’re always happy to provide our customers in the Rock Hill region with guidance, advice, and free estimates. To learn how we can install a koi pond, pondless waterfall, fountain, or other water feature to enhance your outdoor living space, contact us today! Call (803) 371-2324 to reach us by phone, or use our contact form to schedule your no-obligation estimate on the web right now!

Do Landscaping Water Features Use a Lot of Water?