You could
save money on electricity by complementing the burble of your backyard water features like fountains, waterfalls, and ponds with a timer or solar power. Exploring technologies like these can help you save water and energy and still relax.
Solar powered pumps, fountains, and even birdbaths can take advantage of sunny days while eliminating the need for a decidedly un-soothing jumble of wires or extension cords. Treehugger says you can even
make your own solar powered fountain using a repurposed satellite dish, solar water pumps, and mosaic tiles. If you want solar powered water features to work at night, get a solar water pump with a rechargeable battery in addition to a solar panel,
advises DoItYourself.com. As for timers, they can conveniently shut off your fountain or waterfall while you're at work, and some can even work with a rain sensor, so your water features don't turn on during a rainstorm.