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Northern Waterscapes

Northern WaterscapesNorthern WaterscapesNorthern Waterscapes

Inspired by nature.

Allow us to create the sights and sounds of nature for your outdoor living space.



About Me

Matthew Koss

  

Welcome to my water garden business! As the sole owner and operator, I take great pride in designing and building ponds and streams that not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor space but also provide a healthy and balanced ecosystem for local wildlife. With a passion for nature and a commitment to using eco-friendly practices, I work closely with each client to design and build a custom water feature that perfectly suits their needs and enhances their outdoor space. From selecting the right location and materials to ensuring proper filtration and water quality, I pay close attention to every detail to create a water feature that not only looks stunning but also supports a healthy ecosystem. Whether you're looking to add a peaceful retreat to your backyard or create a stunning focal point in your urban space, I'm here to help you bring your vision to life. Let's work together to create your very own oasis.

Metro Detroit Circa 1983

  

It all started with a painted turtle when I was 5 years old. Then there were frogs and toads – many of them. Even though I grew up in suburban Detroit, I was always fascinated with nature, especially ponds, and the life they attracted. This fascination led me to ask my father to help me build my first pond when I was twelve years old. I found an old blue pool liner on garbage day, dragged it home and started the process of building my first water feature to house my various amphibious pets. 

Contact Us

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We love our customers, so feel free to walk past our front yard water feature to get a realistic view of what is possible.

Northern Waterscapes

356 East Crescent Street

1-906-362-7024 Northernwaterscapes@gmail.com

Enhance Your Property with a water feature

What types of water features does Northern Waterscapes specialize in building

What types of water features does Northern Waterscapes specialize in building

What types of water features does Northern Waterscapes specialize in building

We specialize in building a variety of water features, including ponds, streams, fountains, water walls, reflecting pools, interactive fountains, show fountains, and architectural water features with naturalistic appearances. We also work on commercial water features such as indoor-to-outdoor water features for hotels and entertainment complexes. The focus is on creating custom water features that enhance the beauty of outdoor spaces and provide a healthy ecosystem for pets and local wildlife 

What is the process for creating a custom water feature

What types of water features does Northern Waterscapes specialize in building

What types of water features does Northern Waterscapes specialize in building

The process for creating a custom water feature typically involves several steps, which can vary based on the specific type of feature being constructed. Here is a general outline:

 

  1. Initial consultation – Discuss the client’s goals, site conditions, rough dimensions, and preferred style of water feature.
  2. Concept design – Develop a basic design (sketches/layout) and outline materials, feature type, and key mechanical needs.
  3. Estimate and approval – Prepare an itemized cost estimate; refine as needed and obtain client approval and deposit.
  4. Detailed design and fabrication – Produce detailed drawings, select pumps and components, and build the feature to specification.
  5. On‑site installation – Install the feature in its final location, connect plumbing and power, and fine‑tune flow and aesthetics.
  6. Final adjustments and maintenance plan – Make any final tweaks and provide the client with a simple maintenance and seasonal care guide.

The specific details of the process can vary based on the unique requirements of each project and the type of custom water feature being created. It's important to work closely with a qualified professional to ensure that the final water feature meets both aesthetic and functional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

 An Aquascape water feature is a professionally designed, recirculating system—such as a pond, pondless waterfall, or fountainscape—that mimics nature and runs continuously with a hidden pump and filtration. 


  Ponds hold an open body of visible water for fish and plants. Pondless waterfalls, water flows over rocks into a hidden underground gravel-filled reservoir, where a submersible pump recirculates it back to the top. —safer for kids/pets and lower maintenance. 


   Ponds: moderate (bacteria additions, debris removal; filter monitoring).Pondless: low (weekly checks, seasonal cleanings)


  Varies by size and features—small pondless waterfalls: $3,000–$8,000 installed; full ponds: $10,000–$30,000+; free site estimates provided.


   Pondless waterfall: 1–3 days; medium Ecosystem Pond: 3–7 days; larger projects: 1–3 weeks.


    20+ years with proper care (many Aquascape liners have lifetime warranties); pumps/equipment: 3–5 years typical.


 No—moving, aerated water and natural predators like fish make Aquascape ecosystems very poor mosquito habitat compared to stagnant water. 


   Pondless: unplug/remove/store pump, cover basin; Ponds: run with heaters/de-icers or partial shutdown, depending on climate.


 Yes—Aquascape ponds are built as ecosystems that support fish (like koi and goldfish), aquatic plants, and beneficial bacteria working together. 


  You can choose: from a soft, relaxing trickle to a louder, dramatic cascade—the sound level is customized during design. 


 Only slightly; the system recirculates the same water, so you mainly add water occasionally to replace evaporation. 


  Depth, edges, and access can be designed with children and pets in mind, and pondless waterfalls are a popular “no open pond” option. 


   Yes—well-designed features boost curb appeal and value like quality landscaping.


Decide What Water Feature Fits Your Lifestyle

Ecosystem Pond

An Aquascape ecosystem pond is a man-made water feature designed to mimic the natural balance of a biological ecosystem. It works in harmony with nature, providing food, shelter, and safety for wildlife while offering a low-maintenance, eco-friendly environment. Key components include a pond skimmer or intake bay, BioFalls filter, and recirculation pump, which ensure water quality and oxygenation. Rocks and gravel provide surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize, helping to break down waste. Aquatic plants and fish are integral, as they help maintain water clarity and ecological balance. This setup creates a serene and naturalistic environment that attracts various forms of life, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a outdoor living space while minimizing the need for chemicals or extensive maintenance 

Pondless Streams & Waterfalls

 An aquascape pondless waterfall is a water feature designed to mimic the natural beauty of a waterfall without the need for a traditional pond. It typically involves a waterfall or stream that cascades over rocks into a hidden reservoir, where the water is continuously recycled through a pump system. This setup eliminates the need for a pond, making it ideal for spaces where a pond may not be feasible or desired. The result is a serene, low-maintenance water feature that provides the soothing sound of flowing water without the complexity of maintaining a full pond ecosystem. 

Pondless Streams & Waterfalls

 


Pondless Streams & Waterfalls

 


Fountains, Bubbling Rocks, Bird Baths & Waterfall Bowls

 

An aquascape pondless fountain is a type of water feature that creates the aesthetic of a fountain without the need for a traditional pond. It consists of a decorative feature, like a statue, bowl, or tiered structure, from which water flows and cascades, but instead of pooling into a visible pond, the water is stored in a hidden reservoir beneath the surface. A pump circulates the water back to the top, creating a continuous flow. This setup offers a beautiful, low-maintenance option for homeowners who want the calming sounds and visual appeal of flowing water without the upkeep of a full pond.

Fountains, Bubbling Rocks, Bird Baths & Waterfall Bowls

Fountains, Bubbling Rocks, Bird Baths & Waterfall Bowls

Starting Price of a Water Feature

Ecosystem Ponds

 

Nature at Your Doorstep

 Natural Ecosystem Koi/Goldfish Ponds, Natural Ponds, and Water Gardens are ideal for nature and animal enthusiasts. Craft a beautiful space that invites storytelling and connection! Prices starting at $5,000. 


Pondless Streams & Waterfalls

  

Enjoy Nature's Beauty, Minus the Hassle

 If you're looking for the beauty of a natural stream and waterfalls without the maintenance or safety concerns of a pond, this is the perfect solution! Starting at $5,000. 

Fountains, Bubbling Rocks, Bird Baths & Waterfall Bowls

Fountains, Bubbling Rocks, Bird Baths & Waterfall Bowls

 Compact Elegance: Decorative Fountains 

Decorative waterfall bowls are perfect for tight spaces. Featuring an in-ground reservoir, they’re easy to maintain and a wonderful addition for bird lovers! Starting at $3,000. 

General Water Feature Prices

Ecosystem Ponds

Ponds designed to replicate the natural environment, featuring biological filtration and a skimmer, along with a 45 mil EPDM (fish-safe) pond liner, underlayment, recirculating pump, plumbing, rocks, and gravel.

360 Gallon Pond

Starting at $5,000

4' x 6' x 2' Pond with Cascading Waterfall, Signature Series 400 Skimmer & 1000 BioFalls, 2000 GPH Submersible Pump, <18" River Rock 

700 Gallon Pond

Starting at $10,000

6' x 8' x 2' Pond with Cascading Waterfall, Signature Series 400 Skimmer & 1000 BioFalls, 2000 GPH Submersible Pump, <18" River Rock 

1,300 Gallon Pond

Starting at $15,000

8' x 11' x 2' Pond with Cascading Waterfall, Signature Series 1000 Skimmer & 2500 BioFalls, 5000 GPH Submersible Pump, <18" River Rock 

2,600 Gallon Pond

Starting at $20,000

11' x 16' x 2' Pond with with Cascading Waterfall, Signature Series 1000 Skimmer & 2500 BioFalls, 5000 GPH Submersible Pump, <18" River Rock 


Pondless Streams & Waterfalls

A recirculating stream and waterfall system with a subterranean reservoir basin, featuring a 45 mil EPDM (fish-safe) pond liner, underlayment, recirculating pump, plumbing, rocks, and gravel.

5 Series Pondless Stream with Waterfalls

Starting at $5,000

5 foot long with 2-3 cascading waterfalls with an Aquabasin 45, 2000 GPH Submersible Pump, 12" Waterfall Spillway, <18" River Rock 

10 Series Pondless Stream with Waterfalls

Starting at $10,000

10 foot long with 3-4 cascading waterfalls with Small Aquablox & Vault, 4000 GPH Submersible Pump, Waterfall Spillway, <18" River Rock 

15 Series Pondless Stream with Waterfalls

Starting at $15,000

15 foot long with 3-6 cascading waterfalls with Large Aquablox & Vault w/ Extension, 5000 GPH Submersible Pump, Waterfall Spillway, <18" River Rock 


Fountains, Bubbling Rocks, Bird Baths & Waterfall Bowls

A recirculating stream and waterfall system with a subterranean reservoir basin, featuring a 45 mil EPDM (fish-safe) pond liner, underlayment, recirculating pump, plumbing, rocks, and gravel.

Waterfall Bowls

Starting at $3,000

Two cascading waterfall bowls with an Aquabasin 45, 2000 GPH Submersible Pump, <18" River Rock 

Add a footnote if this applies to your business

Our Waterscape Portfolio

    Existing Water Feature Maintenance & Renovation

    Water Feature Spring & Fall Cleanouts

    • Complete drain of feature
    • Store clean water for rinse and refill
    • Remove fish from the pond and store in sanitized holding tanks
    • Clean and power wash the entire feature
    • We do leave some biofilm to keep your ecosystem healthy
    • Rinse and scoop to remove debris
    • Clean up or cut back plants for healthy growth
    • Fertilize aquatic plants
    • Check lighting systems
    • Clean and vacuum Skimmer and Biofalls
    • Service & clean filtration system
    • Service & clean pumps
    • Reconnect pumps after servicing
    • Add water treatments upon request

    Water Feature Renovations

    • Pond enlargement
    • Secondary stream and waterfall
    • Pond liner replacement
    • Add an intake bay for easier maintenance
    • Add underwater lighting for evening enhancements
    • Add a fish cave to protect your koi from predators
    • Give your waterfall a stunning new look and sound
    • Add rock and gravel to complete your ecosystem
    • Upgrade your BioFalls and skimmer for ease of maintenance

    Water Feature Repairs

    • Water loss and leaks
    • Broken pipes
    • Poor filtration
    • Low edges
    • Old and damaged liner
    • Cloudy or discolored water
    • Pump replacement
    • Waterfall repairs

    Copyright © 2026 Northern Waterscapes - All Rights Reserved.


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