Water Features Designed for Arid Climates

Custom water features in Washington County that complement pools, landscapes, and hardscapes with efficient, durable systems.

Your backyard in Washington County might have a pool that needs a spillover feature, or your commercial entry might benefit from a reflecting pool that runs year-round without constant refilling. Custom water features are built to fit the space and function you have in mind, whether that is a fountain, waterfall, pond, or stream. Kartchco Construction designs and installs systems that operate efficiently in dry conditions and integrate with surrounding outdoor elements.

This service involves planning the feature layout, excavating or building the structure, installing pumps and plumbing, and finishing with stone, tile, or concrete. In Washington County, water features are designed to minimize evaporation, resist mineral buildup, and withstand temperature swings. They are suitable for residential yards, commercial properties, and shared outdoor spaces where water adds visual or acoustic value.

Kartchco Construction can meet on-site to discuss feature options and assess where the installation will fit best.

Building a water feature that lasts in dry conditions

The process starts with selecting the feature type and mapping its location relative to hardscape, plantings, and electrical access. In Washington County, this often involves planning for water loss due to evaporation and ensuring the system can be topped off easily or connected to an automatic fill line. Excavation, liner installation, and plumbing are completed before any decorative stone or tile is set.

After the feature is completed, you will see moving water with consistent flow, a basin or pond that holds water without leaking, and surrounding materials that match the rest of your hardscape or landscape. The pump operates quietly and can be adjusted for flow rate depending on the visual or sound effect you want. Filtration or UV clarifiers are added if the feature includes fish or plants.

This service does not include ongoing maintenance, though Kartchco Construction provides guidance on winterization and cleaning schedules. Features are designed to operate with minimal supervision, but they do require seasonal checks to clear debris and inspect pump function. Coordination with landscape or pool installation happens during the planning phase to avoid conflicts with irrigation or drainage lines.

What to know before adding a water feature

Property owners often ask about water use, maintenance requirements, and how the feature will perform through seasonal changes, especially in a region where water conservation matters.

How much water does a custom water feature use?
Water loss depends on feature size, surface area, and evaporation rates, which are higher in Washington County during summer. Kartchco Construction designs systems with recirculation and optional auto-fill lines to reduce manual topping off.
What kind of pump is needed for a waterfall or fountain?
Pump size is selected based on the height of the fall, flow rate, and whether the feature includes filtration. Kartchco Construction installs energy-efficient pumps that run continuously without excessive power draw.
Can a water feature be built near a pool?
Yes, water features are often integrated with pool designs as spillovers, sheer descents, or adjacent ponds. Kartchco Construction coordinates plumbing and structure during the pool build to avoid later modifications.
What maintenance does a water feature require?
You will need to clear debris, check pump function, and clean filters or UV units periodically. In winter, features may need to be drained or protected depending on whether they will run year-round.
When should a water feature be added to a landscape project?
Features should be planned before hardscape or irrigation installation so plumbing and electrical runs are placed correctly. Kartchco Construction schedules feature work based on coordination with other outdoor elements.

Kartchco Construction builds custom water features for residential and commercial properties throughout Washington County, designed for efficiency and durability in arid conditions. Contact the team to start planning your feature and schedule a site visit.