The word fountain is derived from the Latin term fons or fontis which means a source or a spring. Water fountains have a rich history, dating back from thousands of years ago. They were originally used to supply drinking and bathe water, and from there they evolved into highly decorative elements that we know today. Even if the designs and functions of fountains have profoundly changed, their appeal continue to fascinate us, and due to this they are contemplated as one of history's most important legacies.

Water fountains were uses from as far back as third millennium B.C. in Mesopotamia, which is now known as Iraq. Accordingly, fountain ruins extracted from this period have shown that such water features were constructed out of solid rocks and were strategically located near streams. During the ancient times, the need for fountains was dependent on the location of the water supply of a certain civilization. For instance, ancient Egyptians had innovative systems for hoisting water from Nile River, so they don't necessarily need fountains, although records have shown that they also used these water features as decorative pieces.

Meanwhile, ancient Romans and Greeks brought their water down to their cities from the mountains by using aqueducts. However, because their water sources were above the level of their cities, they used fountains to properly route their drinking and bathe water. Generally, Romans are acknowledged for their engineering and water systems; it is no wonder that they were the first civilization to revolutionize the art and technology of fountain designs. Their ingenuity can be seen from the ruins of numerous free-standing fountains and wall water fountain features they installed within the confines of their city.

By the time the Renaissance and Baroque ages took over, the use of wall water fountain and any other fountains rapidly spread across Europe and other nearby continents. Those periods also witnessed the high point of fountain use, and it was also during those times when the purposes of fountains had changed from drinking and bathe water reservoirs to highly decorative pieces. It was then that fountains became expressions of art as seen from the allegorical figures that they were designed after. Sculptures became the principal elements of fountain designs in the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

By the 20th century, fountains were freed from their drinking and bathing supply responsibilities. This period bear witness to the evolution of fountain materials and technologies. From plain and lifeless looking fountain designs, it is now possible to see copper fountain finishes that comes with amplified music and jets of water controlled by a computer program. Basically, the innovations in technology allow the introduction of a whole new profusion of fountain designs.

Water fountains are essential water features that benefited humans throughout history. In this respect, it cannot be denied that they are one of history's most important legacies. Other than their aesthetic value however, fountains nowadays are more revered for the relaxing sense they induce. No wonder, more and more homeowners are using these water features inside their personal spaces.

History has it that water fountains were important water sources for many civilizations. These water features were once placed in public areas where people usually gather to drink and bathe. Over time, wall water fountain became important decorative pieces inside homes, gardens and other business establishments. It is now common to see different fountain designs such as the copper fountain, which is perhaps one of the most revered fountain finishes today.