Arts/100 - The Roman Aqueducts

The Roman Aqueducts

For this week’s assignment students were encouraged to choose one of three research topics. I chose to research the Roman aqueducts, since it is a completely new topic for me. I found it fascinating that the Romans put so much though and care into something that modern society considers so trivial. Also amazing is the fact that some of the Roman aqueducts are still in use today, which stands as a true testament of their engineering capabilities.

The aqueducts were originally built with stones, bricks, and pozzuolana, which is a special volcanic cement. Although there are visible parts, most of the Roman waterway system is underground. In fact, only 30 of the 260 miles in the aqueduct system are visible over the ground. The system relied on gravity to maintain a continuous flow, and when it hit Rome the water flowed into big cisterns. These reservoirs held the water supply for the cities (Deman & Boise, 1973). The image below explains the difference between the modern water systems and the Roman. It shows why the external structures were necessary to conduct the water to the cities.

Although not so majestic, the water system in my town is also great. I live in the south shore of the beautiful Lake Tahoe, which is the largest and deepest alpine lake in the United States. Our water system works with water being drawn out of Lake Tahoe and treated using an ozone treatment process followed by an ultra-violet light system. These systems provide disinfection of the drinking water to protect against bacteria, viruses and cysts. Ozone is a powerful disinfectant that does not alter mineral quality and enhances the taste of the water. UV light also imparts no taste to the water.  The District then injects a small dose of chlorine in the drinking water before it goes out to the community to keep it bacteria-free in the pipes.  The community is encouraged to drink tap water, since it is absolutely clean and it tastes great.

Just like the Romans did, the people of South Lake Tahoe take a lot of pride in our water and our work. Maintaining a clean and efficient water system is a task that must involve the community. The Romans had paid laborers and slaves who worked with not only building the system, but also maintaining it. In Tahoe, our water is one of our most valued resources. Aside from the obvious reasons, our lake is also a huge economical factor, since it attracts tourists from all over the country and the world. Having a clean and efficient water system is something we take a lot of pride in, similarly to the Romans. 

Reference

Deman, V., & Boise, E. (1973). The building of the Roman aqueducts. McGrath Pub. Co.(Washington).