Can I save my water plants over the winter in the basement,

http://www.sheridannurseries.com/garden_tips/general_gardening/overwintering_water_garden_plants_and_fish

They need water. Certainly wortha try. My girlfriend winters over in her garage. Make sure you change the water often enough.

Ok here is the answer Chicago Botanic Garden ..... Overwintering Water Lillies .....should give you the answers you need

You can overwinter them just fine in the basement or closet-- anywhere they aren't going to freeze. https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/faq/overwintering_water_lilies

My Dad stored his water plants in garbage cans with water in the basement over the winters. They did great!

My brother in law (successfully) keeps his over the winter in a kiddie pool in the basement. There’s a small basement window near the pool so the plants receive some light. He lives in mid-north Ontario where the Winters can be quite a bit colder than southern Ontario. If you live in a milder garden zone, a garage would be fine.