Fountains & Water Features
Table of Contents
Introduction
These can be really pretty but need to be maintained, cleaned, and refilled, especially during hot/dry spells. In fact these experience the most evaporation of all the options listed on this page because water tends to splash over the edge and water evaporates more easily while it is suspended in air as the droplets have increased surface area vs water that is in a container.
Solar Power
These need electricity to run, but if you only need it to run during the day, then it's a perfect technology to pair with a small solar panel.
Life Expectancy: Some of these are hundreds of years old, but may not still function depending on the water source and power source. Modern, plastic versions can be expected to last 5-10 years with adequate care.
Pro: These can look very pretty, and the moving water reduces the opportunity for species like mosquitoes to breed in the water. Moving water can be heard by wildlife and because of the aeration will remain fresh instead of going stagnant like pond or birdbath water easily can. You can buy these at most garden supply shops, online, or you can get creative and build one yourself.
Con: These need routine maintenance and will get blocked up very quickly if kept in shade. If kept in a sunny location (away from trees) then evaporation rates will be higher. Evaporation in general will be higher than with other options, meaning it may need to be refilled more often. As these are often above ground with pipes and motorized parts, they can be susceptible to damage during heavy freezes. These may pose a drowning hazard to children and small animals, who can drown in as little as 2 inches of water.
Solution: To prevent drowning you may want to include a fitted grate over the catchment part of the fountain. You can make a child and butterfly-friendly feature by building a pebble fountain which can be set into the ground or can be built above ground with old pottery or anything that will safely hold water. Service regularly by cleaning out algae, leaves, sticks, and any other materials that might block water flow.
Materials: Plastic tubing, filters, and potentially plastic body. Other materials like stone or concrete can also be used. A power cord and/or solar device will be needed to power the water feature.
"Fuel" Types
Electricity, including solar power from a small panel system, or simply plug into closest building for grid power. Refill with tap water or any other clean water.
Wildlife-Friendly Fountain Designs
Features to Consider
Ramps
These are worth including if you have a deep body of water and/or steep sides, as ramps allow any fallen wildlife to safely climb back out.
Solar-Powered Fountains
These will keep working even if your grid goes down, and will pump during the day even without a battery backup.
The link below has written instruction and step by step photos for a "rubble" rock fountain.
DIY Project Videos
Make a Water Fountain for Wildlife
The video above is probably the easiest fountain project (other than digging the hole), but at the end the video shows the pond is right underneath some bird feeders. Do NOT place bird feeders directly over a pond or other water features!
Birds are messy eaters, and the food waste will ruin the water quality, block the fountain, and potentially poison animals who drink from the fountain.
Easy DIY Fountain 6:19 minute video to create a fountain from a pump, clay pots and dishes, silicon sealant, and some fountain attachments.
To make this more pollinator friendly, large pebbles.
Can Be Combined With
Bird Baths
Feature Like "Bird Baths" Help Insects Too!
Adding a rock to the middle will allow butterflies to safely drink
Ponds
Water Gardens
Water gardens are specifically garden features that focus on housing and displaying aquatic plants that have adapted to living in ponds, lakes, rivers, and other aquatic habitats. These can include ponds or water features, the the main focus is on the plants. Some water gardens are just old, upcycled sinks, bathtubs, or troughs. While ponds can tolerate shade, it's generally recommended to put water gardens in full sun, but this may vary depending on the types of plants you want to grow.
You can grow a wider variety of plants by including different levels in your pond, or by simulating a variety of levels by having some plants resting on the bottom, and other pots set on upside-down plant pots. Some species will free float under the surface or on top, but all of these work together to offer different species the variety of habitats they need to survive different stages of life.
If you water garden is dug into the ground, or fairly low as is the case with old kitchen sinks, then small animals like hedgehogs, or medium sized animals like foxes will be able to drink from them.
Organizations
North America
USA
Water for Wildlife "is a conservation organization designed to benefit our nation’s wildlife. Our initial emphasis focused on plains game preservation and management through the development of supplemental water resources in selected areas where both the habitat and wildlife are being impaired by lack of water, a vital natural resource. We have now invested in over 500 water projects in twelve western states. These crucial water sources sustain both wild game and non-game animals including songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, fish, and many more. Our charitable goals are to create awareness of increased pressure on water resources necessary for the continued sustenance of wildlife and to increase the availability of water for all wildlife in remote and arid regions of our country. The Benefits Wildlife rely on their habitat for water, feed, and cover. As these resources become increasingly scarce, our projects support the continued viability of wildlife under these conditions. We work with state and federal wildlife and land management officials and other conservation organizations to identify the need for projects, located primarily on public land."
Grants & Funding
North America
USA
Water for Wildlife: Grant Application "The Water for Wildlife® Foundation is committed to playing a pivotal role in the conservation of wildlife through the development of supplemental water/habitat resources. WFWF helps bridge the gaps between agencies and other partners to implement projects. We provide grants each year for the construction of water/habitat developments for wildlife. Water for Wildlife® project applications should show at least a 1:1 cost share match for consideration. Water projects are ranked and prioritized for funding based on benefits to area wildlife, distances to perennial water sources, cost share funding and partners identified, cost effectiveness, public benefit, and completeness of application submitted. Funding levels vary from project to project, but typically range from $1,000 – $10,000. The Foundation is encouraging your agency or conservation organization to partner with us to support our efforts of making water/habitat as accessible to wildlife as possible."
Oceana
Australia
Western Australia
Bird Bath Rebate "The City’s Habitat for Homes program encourages its residents to create habitats in their homes by growing native gardens and having bird baths for native animals to find shelter and food. Cockburn residents can receive a 50% rebate (up to $50) towards the cost of a bird bath."