Aqueducts: Quenching Thirst and Running Water

An artist's illustration on how aqueducts were built. By diverting water from high water reservosirs, the Romans were able to use gravity to direct water throughout the city. Modern municipal water systems are nearly the same in operation.

By extensive use of planning water routes from sources, surveying land, and building with Roman concrete led to long lasting structures. This aqueduct in modern Neja, Spain remains in excellent condition despite it's age.

This illustration shows how water was to be divided leaving the aqueduct. The best went to drinking sources with the rest going primarily for general usage in baths and production. The end cycle would drain into the cloaca and disperse down stream.