Why water features work on commercial properties
A water feature at a community entry or a courtyard makes a property memorable. The sound masks road noise, the movement draws the eye to a monument sign or entry, and the right feature looks good in every season. We design and build water features for HOA entries, apartment communities, hotels and office sites, and our crews maintain them.
Water feature styles
Boulder waterfalls and streams
Natural boulder streams fit the high desert and are a classic choice for community entries. Water runs over local rock into a hidden basin, so there is no open pond to manage.
Fountains
Tiered or formal fountains suit apartment entries, gated communities and hotel drop-offs. Ringing the basin with seasonal color makes them a focal point.
Bubbling rocks and columns
Drilled boulders, stone columns and concrete forms bubble over gravel with no standing water. They are a good choice where safety or water loss is a concern.
Fire and water
Features that combine a water surface with gas flames make a strong statement at hotel and restaurant patios.
Scuppers and gabion walls
Steel scuppers spilling from a gabion or block wall fit modern office and retail sites.
Ponds
Larger ponds work in parks and common areas with room for them, but need a plan for algae, liners and wildlife.
What matters for a commercial water feature
- Water use. Recirculating features use little water, but wind and evaporation in Reno are high. An auto-fill valve keeps levels steady.
- Winter. Most features are shut down and drained before hard freezes, the same as irrigation.
- Safety. Keep standing water shallow where children are around, and keep splash off walkways where it can freeze.
- Algae and cleaning. Shade, filtration and regular cleaning keep water clear.
- Access. Pumps, valves and electrical should be reachable without tearing up plantings.
Lighting water features
Underwater lights and down lights from nearby trees bring a water feature to life after dark and make an entry easy to find at night. See our guide to landscape lighting.
Water features are often part of an entry renovation or enhancement project. Browse our project guides or request a free quote.