Water gardens are becoming more popular every year. If you plan to install a water garden this spring, or you have a pond and you’re preparing it for the new season, you need to consider some basic safety steps when using electricity around water.

• Before you start digging, call your local electric and phone company or call 8-1-1 to mark the lines in the area of the pond.
• Make sure any pump you use to aerate and recirculate your pond is rated for underwater use (submersible). Using a non-submersible pump, at best, will ruin the pump. At worst, you could be in for a severe and possibly fatal shock. The same is true for underwater lights.
• Your exterior electrical outlets should be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). Exterior GFCI outlets should also be equipped with covers to prevent rain or splashing water from breaking the circuit.
• Never hook a pump to an extension cord, even one rated for exterior use. The pump should be plugged directly into the GFCI outlet. If one is not located nearby, have an electrician install a GFCI extender to the area.
• Use care when installing and plugging in the pump. Lower the pump into the pond, making certain it is stable. Then be certain to dry your hands and stand on a dry area before you plug it in.
• Keep other electric tools and appliances away from the pond. If you should drop anything electrical into the pond, unplug the tool before you try to retrieve it.