The term fountain is constructed after the Latin term fons or fontis which means a source or spring. The history of water fountains dates back from thousands of years ago. At the outset, they were utilized as water sources for drinking and bathing, and overtime they evolved into decorative features used to accentuate indoor and outdoor areas. Although the designs and functions of fountains significantly changed over the years, their appeal has never faded and they are still considered as one of the greatest legacies of antiquity.

From as far back as third millennium B.C., the Mesopotamians used water fountains as parts of their daily living. Most of the fountain ruins found in this area have shown that such water features of that time were made out of solid rocks and were mostly situated near streams. Back then, whether a civilization had fountains or not depended on the location of their water supplies. For example, since ancient Egyptians had ingenious water hoisting system, they were able to get water from Nile River easily, thereby limiting their need for fountains.

The ancient Romans and Greeks on the other hand, brought water down from the mountains with the aid of aqueducts. However, as their water sources were way above their cities' locations, they needed fountains to properly supply the drinking and bathe water needs of their citizens. As Romans are known for their sophisticated water systems, they are the ones who first revolutionized 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. It was during those times when fountains reached their peak, and their purposes had changed dramatically from major drinking and bathing water reservoirs to luxurious interior and exterior designs. Fountains then became the channels to express art forms as seen from the allegorical figures that they were designed after. In fact, sculptures became the major element of fountain designs during the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

When 20th century arrived, fountains were freed entirely from the need to be primary water sources. This period bear witness to the evolution of fountain materials and technologies. From dull looking fountain designs of ancient civilizations, it is now possible to create copper fountain designs with amplified music and jets of water manipulated by computer programs. Fundamentally, modern fountain designs and finishes have become infinite.

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. With this capability, it's not at all surprising why many homeowners prefer having these water features inside their homes.

The designs and functions of water fountains have changed profoundly since the time they were used in ancient civilizations. Back then, fountains, just like the wall water fountain, were primary sources of water for people that were created from natural stones. Overtime, fountains evolved as decorative pieces used to accentuate certain spaces. In relation to this, their designs have also evolved to include different innovative materials as seen from the copper fountain and other metal-finished fountains.