The surge in golf course construction combined with increased land development projects in arid environments has created a greater demand for landscape irrigation requirements. The increase in demand for water and delivery volume beyond availability, dictates the need for irrigation reservoirs.

To supply the needed water requirements, many projects incorporate lakes as retention basins or water reservoirs. The aesthetic harmony between the landscape and water reservoir has created the need for a more creative approach to lake construction in order to improve upon (esthetically) the utilitarian water reservoir or treatment basins common to the agricultural industry. Although originally based on an agricultural need, reservoir lakes have transcended to add and beautify the site with numerous shoreline types and design styles.

The construction of lakes must now harmonize with the landscape and provide the landscape architect, golf course designer, and land planner with a multitude of options with regard to the aesthetic direction of the project.

In addition to the aesthetics of the water features is the recirculation and treatment of the water. Recirculation allows the lower basin of water to be pumped to an upper lake or basin and in turn discharged over a waterfall or into streams.Aeration and ozone systems are one of many ways to maintain the quality of the water. Insuring that the water quality is maintained allows for the habitat of aquatic plants and fish.