Functional Water Systems Built for Desert Conditions

Custom water features and animal watering troughs installed across Tucson

A water feature in Tucson does more than fill empty space. It cools the air around it, masks road noise, and gives you something to look at that isn't rock or dirt. Whether you want a fountain in your courtyard or a recirculating pond near your seating area, the system has to handle evaporation, UV exposure, and dust without constant maintenance. The same goes for animal troughs, which need to stay full, stay clean, and survive years of sun and hoof traffic without cracking or leaking.

Grow and Glow Landscape designs and installs custom water features and animal watering troughs throughout Tucson. We build fountains with submersible pumps and UV-resistant basins, ponds with flexible liners and biological filtration, and livestock troughs made from galvanized steel or molded polyethylene that won't split in the heat. Each system is plumbed for easy refilling, and we include overflow drains or auto-fill valves where needed.

If you're planning a water feature or need a reliable trough for horses, cattle, or other animals in Tucson, request a free consultation and we'll walk you through the options.

Pumps, Liners, and Materials That Handle Heat and Dust

When we install a water feature in Tucson, we start by selecting a pump rated for continuous operation and high sediment load. Desert dust clogs standard pumps quickly, so we use models with larger intake screens and pre-filters. The basin or pond liner is either preformed resin or EPDM rubber, both of which resist cracking and UV degradation. We set the feature on a compacted gravel base, level it with shims, and test the flow before backfilling or adding decorative rock.

Once it's running, you'll hear the water moving and feel a noticeable drop in temperature near the feature, especially in the evening when the air cools. The system recirculates water through the pump, so you're only adding enough to replace what evaporates. In summer, that might be a few gallons a week depending on the size of the feature.

For animal troughs, we install durable tanks with smooth interiors that don't trap algae or debris. We can add float valves connected to your water line for automatic refilling, or set up a manual hose connection if you prefer to control fill times. The troughs are anchored or weighted to prevent tipping, and we position them in partial shade where possible to reduce water temperature and evaporation. Both water features and troughs are built with long-term function in mind, not just appearance.

You probably have a few practical questions

Most people in Tucson want to know how much water a feature uses, how often troughs need cleaning, and whether pumps can handle the dust and heat. Here's what we hear most often.

How much water does a fountain or pond lose to evaporation?
In Tucson, a small fountain might lose two to five gallons per week during summer, while a larger pond can lose more depending on surface area and sun exposure. We design systems with easy top-off access so you can add water as needed.
What kind of maintenance does a water feature need?
You'll need to clean the pump intake every few weeks to remove debris and check water levels regularly. Algae control can be managed with biological additives or by limiting sun exposure and nutrient buildup.
How do you keep animal troughs from overflowing?
We install float valves that stop water flow once the trough is full, or we add overflow drains that route excess water away from the area. Both options prevent flooding and keep the ground around the trough from turning to mud.
What materials hold up best in desert heat?
For water features, we use EPDM rubber liners, resin basins, and stainless steel or composite pumps. For troughs, galvanized steel and UV-stabilized polyethylene both handle sun exposure and temperature swings without cracking or warping.
Why does water temperature matter for livestock?
Cattle and horses drink more when water is cool, and they avoid troughs that sit in full sun and heat up during the day. We position troughs in shade or use insulated models to keep water temperature down and consumption up.

Grow and Glow Landscape installs water features and animal watering troughs across Tucson and the surrounding region, with attention to durability, safety, and long-term performance. If you're ready to add a fountain, pond, or reliable trough to your property, contact us today and we'll provide a free consultation based on your needs.