Two recent national water scared include lake lanier in north Georgia that caused a scare in 2007-2008 that water supply to much of Atlanta Georgia could be suspended and in early 2009 Lake Travis lost almost 75% of its capacity in Central Texas. Both lakes have since recovered but there were months of sever water restrictions and as America’s population grows there will be more concerns away from the coastlines as where to obtain water and how it will be rationed. Entire companies are moving to install rainwater collection systems. Aqua-scape landscape/pondscape contractors across the United States have begun installing rain capture systems ranging from both above ground and below ground collection tanks ranging from hundreds to many multiple thousands of gallons of water. The larger systems can supply homes with water as well as the outside landscape. These installers also are installing large lined basins to capture water as in containment ponds and streams that can also act as landscape beautification projects.

I am not endorsing the Aquascape program over everyone else as they have independent contractors all over the United States and each may or may not install these kinds of systems. I have seen some of the Aquascape projects and the contractors I have talked to and reviewed online through there own stories have been doing some amazing work. Many businesses seem interested in the idea and here are a few benefits they mention as I am sure most require a decent investment.

The Aquascape RainXchange™ Harvesting Systems are a revolutionary design that combines a recirculating decorative water feature with a sub-surface rainwater harvesting collection system.

• Clean, Filtered Water Collection & Storage - While you enjoy the benefits of a decorative water feature, the RainXchange™ Rainwater Harvesting System filters the stored water to prevent stagnation and growth of unhealthy bacteria.
• The RainXchange™ Rainwater Harvesting System reveals only a beautiful water feature that integrates easily into existing landscape.
• Collecting and storing the water underground maintains the integrity and beauty of your home and landscape.
• Wildlife Habitat - Because the water stored in the RainXchange™ System is constantly moving and being aerated, it becomes a sanctuary for wildlife.
• Water Feature Lifestyle – Enhanced landscaping improves property value and water features provide soothing sights and sounds that help you relax  in today’s busy world.
• Environmental Conservation – Capturing rainwater to operate the water feature creates true self-sustainability, drastically reducing the need for chemically-treated traditional water sources.

Sweet flag, saggitaria (Arrowhead), flag iris, water lilies like laydekeri lilacia or helvola make nice selections.

Pictured above is a woden frame with a rubber liner simply attached to the wood underneath. If making yourself it should be quite inexpensive and you can even incorporate seating.

Tetragona water lilies and sweetflag above in an18 gallon sealed pot. Many above ground ponds that will freeze solid should just be empties and new plants purchased each spring.

Another deck option made of wood and very easy to build. As pictured keep plants away from a splashing fountain or the plant and leaves will sit there and rot. Aquatic does not always mean aquatic on the top.  

Above is a half whisky barrel. Every big chain store like lowes, home depot, Menard’s, even walmart carry whisky barrel lines in the out door section in spring and summer. Here we have some dwarf water lilies, duckweed, snowflakes, and arrowhead.

Finally we have another container, sealed and turned into a summer water garden, remember most of the plants like lilies and bogs need dirt so either have dirt in the containers or have smaller containers of dirt in the containers.  Above has orange snowflakes (on surface) and some zebra rush and blue rush as the grass like plants.

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