The water return apparatus of the present invention comprises a lens and a rear cover that couple together to create a sealed compartment into which electronic elements are encased. Furthermore, an adaptor couples the rear cover to a standard water return fitting of a water-bearing body, such as a swimming pool. Thus, the water return apparatus of the present invention replaces a traditional water return fitting in a swimming pool. In addition, the water return apparatus of the present invention allows for a first functional feature of facilitating the return of water to the water-bearing body and a second functional feature that is electronically driven, such as underwater lighting, underwater camera recording, underwater laser show, underwater projections, underwater sensing, and the like. Underwater sensing refers to the ability to incorporate various measuring sensors in the present inventions, such as sensors for water temperature, water clarity, movement, and the like.