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Most water features do not use a lot of electricity, averaging between 100 and 250 watts per day. The size of the motor can impact electricity usage. To reduce electricity usage, consider using a timer to turn the fountain off at night and when you’re away from your home. Solar power is another way to defray electricity costs after you recoup the cost of installing the solar components.

When deciding whether or not to turn off your pump, you should consider your area’s climate and the aquatic life in your pond. If you live in an area with freezing winter temperatures and don’t have any wildlife, keeping your pump on could damage it. If you have aquatic life but live in a colder climate, you might consider keeping your pump running and adding a pond heater.

If you’re drinking the water, you can store it indefinitely as long as you properly treat it and your container doesn’t break down. Without any treatment system, you should only leave rainwater in a rain barrel for up to four weeks. If you’re using the water on your garden or lawn, you can store your water until algae start to grow. 

One reason you may want to fill in your pond is the cost of maintenance. Pond cleaning may cost about $1,000 for an annual cleanup, or monthly visits may cost $75 to $100 per visit. If you don’t want to spend that much per year on pond upkeep, you may consider filling in your pond.