Master Certified Aquascape Contractor
The highest certification in the industry, held by the only such contractor in Central Iowa.
About Just Add Water
Awards and recognition
Central Iowa's premier water feature experts. Master Certified Aquascape Contractor. Over 20 years of excellence.
Just Add Water is a Des Moines-area landscape contractor specializing in ponds, waterfalls, and other water features. Founded by Chris Thompson in 2004, the company brings over 20 years of experience to Iowa homeowners. As the only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor in Central Iowa, and a Certified Aquascape Contractor since 2006, we have completed thousands of projects across the region.
Certifications
Credentials that set us apart
Certified Aquascape Contractor
Continuously certified since 2006, with over 20 years of proven experience.
Ongoing industry training
Annual education that keeps every build current with best practices.
Awards
Award-winning water features
Aquascape Top Frog Award, every year since its 2014 inception, ranked number one in 2021 and 2022.
POND Trade Magazine Water Artisan of the Year 2024, Recreational Pond Category winner.
Aquascape Contractor of the Year 2023, national recognition.
Aquascape Pondemonium Businessman of the Year 2021, awarded to founder and owner Chris Thompson.
Notable projects
Where you can see our work
Blank Park Zoo (Des Moines)
Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (Waterloo)
Des Moines Area Community College
Van Meter Schools
DR Horton (Ankeny commercial display)
White House on the Hill (YouTube collaboration build)
Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University
As seen in
Media features
Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy (YouTube)
Jordan Creek Living, West Des Moines (July 2025)
Clive Living Magazine (September 2024)
Jordan Creek Living (September 2024)
Houzz Verified Professional, five-star rating
Community
Community partnerships
- Self-guided pond tours
- Canoyer Garden Center (Grimes and Ankeny)
- Created in Johnston
- Perennial Gardens (Ankeny)
- Ankeny Chamber of Commerce member
- Community Build-a-Pond workshops
A perfect five-star rating
From verified clients across Central Iowa.