Here's a general framework for a water feature questionnaire,

which you can adapt to your specific needs:

I. General Information:

  • Project Name/Location: (e.g., "Backyard Water Feature", "Front Yard Pond")

  • Client Name/Contact Information:

  • Date: 

II. Water Feature Type & Style:

  • Type of Water Feature: (e.g., Fountain, Pond, Waterfall, Stream, Koi Pond, etc.) 

  • Aquaculture:

    • Focus: Primarily focused on raising fish and other aquatic animals for food or other purposes. 

    • System: Can involve various systems, including open water (cages, longlines), ponds, and recirculating systems. 

    • Nutrient Source: Requires external inputs for nutrients and water quality management. 

    • Example: A fish farm where fish are raised in tanks or ponds. 

  • Aquaponics:

    • Focus:

      Combines aquaculture with hydroponics, creating a closed-loop system where fish waste is utilized to fertilize plants, and plants filter the water for the fish. 

    • System:

      A recirculating system where fish waste is converted into plant nutrients by beneficial bacteria, and plants then absorb these nutrients. 

    • Nutrient Source:

      The fish waste provides the primary nutrient source for the plants. 

    • Example:

      A system where fish are raised in tanks and the water is used to grow plants in a hydroponic bed. 

  • Style Preference: (e.g., Formal, Natural/Prairie, Contemporary, Asian, etc.) 

  • Desired Features: (e.g., Bubbling rocks, waterfalls, fish, plants, lighting, etc.) 

  • Specific Design Elements: (e.g., Waterfall height, pond size, fountain shape, etc.) 

III. Space & Location:

  • Available Space: (e.g., Size in square footage, dimensions)

  • Sunlight Exposure: (e.g., Full sun, partial shade, shade)

  • Location Specifics: (e.g., Near a deck, patio, or specific area)

  • Existing Landscape Features: (e.g., Trees, rocks, etc.) 

IV. Budget & Maintenance:

  • Budget: (e.g., Range or specific amount)

  • Maintenance Preferences: (e.g., Low maintenance, high maintenance, etc.)

  • Time Commitment for Maintenance: (e.g., How much time are you willing to spend on maintenance?)

  • Chemical Use: (e.g., Willing to use chemicals for algae control, etc.) “Ornamental Use Only”

    "Ornamental use only" means an item is intended for decorative purposes and not for any functional or practical use and should not be used for drinking, as it is not food-safe.

V. Additional Considerations:

  • Family/Pets: (e.g., Are there children or pets that will be around the water feature?) 

  • Outdoor Entertaining: (e.g., Will the water feature be used for entertaining?) 

  • Specific Needs/Goals: (e.g., Do you want to create a habitat for wildlife?) 

  • Other Preferences: (e.g., What materials do you prefer for the water feature?) 

VI. Optional Sections:

  • Photos/Sketches: (e.g., Include photos or sketches of the area and your ideas) 

  • Design Preferences: (e.g., Do you have any specific design ideas or inspiration?) 

  • Materials: (e.g., What materials do you prefer for the water feature?) 

  • Water Features Survey: (e.g., If the project involves a survey of existing water features, include a section for that) 

  • Other: (e.g., Add any other relevant information) 

*Remember to tailor this questionnaire to your specific needs and the type of water feature you're designing.