Water Supply in Pompeii

Water Supply in Pompeii

Originally, Pompeii received its water supply from the River Sarno and from wells, but an aqueduct was built in the reign of Augustus when the needs of the city increased. Large lead pipes ran under the pavements carrying running water to the homes of the richest residents, to the public baths, and to the public fountains where the poorer inhabitants obtained their water.

• A new aqueduct was built from a natural spring in the foothills of Vesuvius that extended around the Sinus Cumanus (Bay of Naples) to the naval base at Misenum. Several branches were constructed from this main line to supply water to the various towns in the Vesuvius area including Pompeii, Herculaneum and Nola.

• Water was brought into Pompeii via the aqueduct. Built on an ever decreasing slope away from the water source, the aqueduct was engineered to take advantage of the force of gravity on flowing water. The water was directed into the main water storage facility, the castellum aquae, located at the highest point in the town. The water was then directed five different ways to a series of water towers. Water was fed from these towers through lead pipes to public fountains, baths and toilets. Water flowed continually with the overflow from the public fountains washing the streets clean.

• However, the high cost of connecting private homes to the aqueduct supply meant that only wealthy citizens could afford to have running water in their houses. Recent excavations in the House of the Vestals revealed that the house was connected to the new aqueduct supply for the sole purpose of having multiple fountain displays in various parts of the house.

• The other areas of the house were serviced by an old cistern. The provision of fresh water undoubtedly improved the quality of life of the residents of Pompeii.

Public Fountains

Compluvium and impluvium