Water features have become one of the most sought-after amenities and design features in commercial spaces, particularly in retail and office buildings. However, as property owners increasingly focus on sustainability, the efficiency of water features has come into question. However, contractors are finding unique ways to meet property sustainability requirements.

"Sustainability has become a key element in the design and construction of modern water features," J. Wickham Zimmerman, CEO at Outside the Lines, a contractor that specializes in water feature design and installation, tells GlobeSt.com.

Water waste is one of the major concerns among property owners. However, many water features not only use recycled or recirculated water, they also can pull water from other building sources. "Emerging sustainability practices have allowed us to utilize water from non-potable sources, including captured HVAC condensate, recycled water—aided by the filtration and sanitation systems we use to keep the water clear and safe—grey water, which is water that is recycled from on-site systems such as sinks or other non-sewage uses, and captured rainwater," says Zimmerman.