Assignment A - Water Features Answer Key

Page 1 Assignment B – Water Features 1. List four reasons for adding water to a landscape. 1. Water adds relaxing sound that helps block noise. 2. It brings movement and reflections , which make the yard feel more alive. 3. Water attracts wildlife , like birds and frogs. 4. It can act as a focal point and improve the overall look of the landscape. 2. Difference between a formal and informal water feature + pictures Formal Water Feature A formal water feature uses straight lines, geometric shapes, and symmetry . It usually looks neat and intentional, often matching structured architecture like houses or patios. Example Image (Formal): Page 2 Informal Water Feature An informal feature looks more natural , with curves and uneven edges. It blends into the environment so it feels like it could’ve always been there. Example Image (Informal): 3. Four criteria to consider when planning water feature placement 1. Sunlight – lilies need 6 hours of sun, but too much sun can cause algae. 2. Utilities – must be close enough to power and water. 3. Trees and debris – avoid spots under big trees because leaves will fall in. 4. Safety & visibility – should be in a place where it can be seen and is safe for people walking around. Page 3 4. Pros and cons of flexible liner options a. Butyl Rubber Pros: ● Very durable ● Can be box-welded into custom shapes Cons: ● More expensive ● Harder to find in big rolls b. PVC Pros: ● Cheap ● Easy to handle Cons: ● Breaks down in sunlight unless covered ● Not as long-lasting; becomes brittle c. EPDM Pros: ● Most durable, stays flexible even at –70°C ● Very popular and easy to install Page 4 Cons: ● Cannot be welded into shapes ● Must make sure it's fish-safe (not roofing EPDM) 5. Guidelines for balancing an ornamental water feature 1. Add beneficial bacteria or some native pond water to help start the ecosystem. 2. Cover 50–75% of the surface with lilies or floating plants to reduce sun exposure. 3. Add 3–5 submerged plants per square metre to use up nutrients that algae would take. 4. Avoid using chemicals like fertilizers or pesticides near the pond. 5. Only replace 10% of the water at a time to avoid shocking the ecosystem. 6. Be patient — natural balancing takes 6–8 weeks . 6. Volume of water feature: 8 × 12 ft, 3 ft deep Formula: L × W × D × 7.5 = U.S. gallons 8 × 12 = 96 96 × 3 = 288 288 × 7.5 = 2160 U.S. gallons ✔ Correct answer: B. 2160 Page 5 7. Volume in imperial gallons: 9 ft diameter, 4 ft deep For a circular pond: Area = π r² Diameter = 9 → radius = 4.5 ft Area = 3.14 × (4.5²) = 3.14 × 20.25 ≈ 63.6 sq ft Volume in cubic ft = 63.6 × 4 = 254.4 Convert cubic feet → imperial gallons 1 cubic foot = 6.24 imperial gallons 254.4 × 6.24 ≈ 1588.9 imperial gallons ✔ Correct answer: A. 1589 8. Research your local by-laws (Edmonton) In Edmonton, any decorative pond or water feature deeper than 600 mm (60 cm) is considered a potential safety hazard, and may require fencing similar to swimming pool rules. You must also check for underground utilities through Alberta One-Call before digging. Backyard ponds cannot drain into storm sewers, and the water feature must be entirely on your property. Links: ● Edmonton by-laws (Swimming Pool Bylaw — used for deeper ponds): https://edmonton.ca/public-files/assets/document?path=PDF/SwimmingPoolBylaw.pdf ● Safety + One-Call: https://utilitysafety.ca/ Page 6 9. Research local or Canada-wide suppliers Supplier 1: Salisbury Greenhouse (Sherwood Park / Edmonton) https://salisburygreenhouse.com/ Sells pumps, liners (including EPDM), aquatic plants, and pond treatments. Good for getting flexible liners and basic equipment locally. Supplier 2: The Pond Shop (Ottawa, Canada-wide shipping) https://thepondshop.ca/ Carries EPDM liners, filtration systems, skimmers, biofalls, pumps, and water treatments. Good for ordering more specialized water feature equipment. Supplier 3: Canadian Tire (Canada-wide) https://canadiantire.ca They sell basic pond supplies like small pumps, preformed liners, tubing, and water treatments. Good for smaller backyard projects and affordable equipment.