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It is imperative that your water feature is constructed properly and with water conservation in mind. Whether you feature is a small natural wildlife pond or a designer contemporary water feature mistakes can be made that will waste vast amounts of water, even without your knowledge. It is often wiser and less frustrating to call in
professionals at this stage to ensure proper construction!
Top Water Saving Tips
1.Plants if you must site a pond in a full sun position it would be wise to use aquatic plants that float on water surface (such as lilies) to minimize evaporation by stopping suns heat. 2.Fountains if you must have a fountain ensure that pond/reservoir is large enough to catch splash. It is best to avoid fountains that spray in air altogether. 3.Pumps use a submersible pond pump appropriate for size and desired effect of your feature. Speak with a water garden specialist to size your pump correctly. 4.Eco Systems create a balanced eco system in wildlife ponds with aid of bio-logical filters etc to keep water clarity and eliminate need to empty or partially empty pond for cleaning. 5.Pets & Children everyone loves water and this is especially true of pets and children. Children and pets love to play in water features, wasting water or worse still, causing leakage. 6.Leaks proper construction should mean you have a leak proof water feature. Keep an eye on your water level for significant drops that indicate leaks that need attending to. 7.Timers can save water and energy by running feature only at times when you are present. 8.Wind Breaks hedging or planting can be placed around your water feature as a wind break. This prevents unnecessary evaporation. Be careful to choose no-toxic and non-invasive plants. 9.Still Water soothing qualities of still water in a reflection pond can be just as effective as moving water. If keeping fish or plants use an oxygenator (air pump) as well as a pump to keep live giving oxygen in water. 10.Topping Up a catchment container for rainwater can be used to top up your water feature. 11.Pipes and Connections - make sure all pipes and connections are securely fixed to eliminate dripping pipes 12.Frog Ponds are not only water efficient but help to protect declining frog populations. Frog ponds also attract other wildlife such as lizards, skinks and birds.
Some Great Ideas
oDecorate around your water feature creatively with interesting objects that need no water at all, such as rocks, bricks, gravel and deck areas.
oCheck your water feature regularly for crack, leaks and maintenance problems that may lead to water loss.
oConsider using xeriscape (drought tolerant) plants such as Liriope around your water feature.
oInstall a pond rather than a bird bath bird baths evaporate quickly and need constant re-filling. Ponds are beneficial to more wildlife than just birds.
oArtificial waterfalls will splash less than rock waterfalls as they have been manufactured to direct water flow.
oUse preformed ponds in small ponds to reduce risk of liner pierce or concrete cracking.
oRemember, aquatic plants dont need to be watered!
Add some life and soul to your garden!
Water features, rather than wasting water, generally use less water than any other part of garden. A well planned and managed pond can be a haven for troubled wildlife in times of drought.
One of nicest, not-to-be-ignored benefits of water gardening is purely psychological. Just when everything else seems dried-out and arid, your water garden can be a quiet haven of relaxation, your own backyard oasis.
Danielle Dickinson is an avid water feature enthusiast. She is a regular contributor to Gardening Magazines. Visit her website http://www.waterfeaturesonline.com.au for more information on Buidling and Maintaining any type of Water Feature as well as a huge range of water gardening products.
