Page 9 - Urban water supply handbook

URBAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

1.8 HISTORY, PLANNING, OUTSOURCING

Table 1.1 presents a chronology of water knowledge, from Crouch (1993), who
points out that traditional water knowledge relied on geologic and meteorologic
observation plus social consensus and administrative organization, particularly in
the ancient Greek world.

1.1.2 Contrast of Past and Present

Figure 1.3 shows the functional components of a modern-day water utility, and
Fig. 1.4 shows the hierarchical relationship of components, subcomponents, and
sub-subcomponents for a modern-day-water distribution system. In comparison
Fig. 1.5 shows the functional components of a Roman urban water distribution
system based upon the Pompeii system. This chapter attempts to provide an
insight into the Greek and Roman era water systems to provide a better under-
standing of our present-day urban water supply systems. A comparison of the
ancient and the modern-day aqueduct systems is shown in Figs. 1.6 and 1.7.
Figure 1.6 shows the Central Arizona Project aqueduct through a residential area

TABLE 1.1 Chronology of Water Knowledge
Prehistoric period Springs
3d–2d millennium B.C. Cisterns
3d millennium B.C.* Dams
3d millennium B.C. Wells
Probably very early (?) Reuse of excrement as fertilizer
2d millennium B.C.* Gravity flow supply pipes or channels and drains, pressure
pipes (subsequently forgotten)
8th–6th century B.C. Long-distance water supply lines with tunnels and bridges,
as well as intervention in and harnessing of
karst water systems
6th century B.C. at latest Public as well as private bathing facilities, consisting of
bathtubs or showers, footbaths, washbasins, latrines or
toilets, laundry and dishwashing facilities
6th century B.C. at latest Utilization of definitely two and probably three qualities of
water: potable, subpotable, and nonpotable including
irrigation using storm runoff, probably combined with
wastewaters
6th–3d centuries B.C. Pressure pipes and siphon systems
*Indicates an element discovered, probably forgotten, and then rediscovered later.
(?) indicates an educated guess.
Source: Crouch, 1993.

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