The fountain is a decorative piece that has water shoot out of it. The water fountain dates back to the 16th century. The early fountains used water hydralics to force the water to go out of a small opening. Because pipes and water systems were not avaliable at that time, fountains had to be placed at a natural water source. These water sources were commonly small grottos.

Modern day fountains are used for recreational purposes as well as decorative. Fountains have been used at water parks as a place for people to play in. Often at races there will be an overhead fountain to let the runners run under and cool off in the mist. Water fountains have also been turned into a toy in some amusement parks where multiple fountains are timed to go off to provide enterainment.

Fountains are used to decorations in public and private landscapes. Often at homes there will be a fountain in the garden. The decorative fountains are usually made out of stone and display some scene in the stone. The water spouts are normally placed in a creative and functional spot in these decorative fountains.