The Terrain Maker® system is unique in that water features have banks, and the water level is lower than the surrounding terrain. Streams and shores are made using ¼" hexes (TM2). If only 1 bank is used, it's a shore hex. Any number of flat water hexes can be used between the shores, to model anything from Antietam Creek to the Dnieper. Add a few white paint "waves" and make the bank a beach, and you can model an ocean for amphibious assaults. For most water, use a deep blue, like a new pair of demin jeans.