How Contractors Are Infusing Sustainability into Water Fountains

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.

Due to water recirculation, the only water loss in these water fountains is caused by evaporation. Zimmerman says that evaporation loss is minimal.

Owners are also concerned about the sustainability of water maintenance, particularly in the types of chemicals and cleaning agents used to care for these fountains. Zimmerman says this is among the top requests from property owners. “We receive requests for exterior fountains that use chemical-free, biological water sanitizing systems,” he says. “These systems enable property owners and facility managers to reduce costs for chemicals and chemical handling and can also reduce or eliminate impact and sewage fees as they drain to storm instead of sanitary sewers.”

Ultimately, good maintenance of a water feature will also help to promote sustainability. “Well maintained water features can reduce energy and water usage, which has a positive ongoing effect on the environment,” says Zimmerman.