Questions and Answers on Roman Aqueducts: Operations

	9. Operations How did Roman aqueducts work?			On the internet there are enough stupid answers to good questions. Here a set of questions with relevant answers, some of which are linked to related subjects as discussed in other places within this website www.romanaqueducts.info Additional questions and remarks are most welcome via w.d.schram 'at' romanaqueducts.info
	Questions How did Roman aqueducts work?
A regulation basin in the aqueduct of Nimes (France), near Uzès. The water from the source came from top right and left down left; surplus water could be diverted to the river nearby (top left). Note the grooves at both outlets for planks.
Back	Questions / UP	Home	AquaClopedia	Next
Answer The principle idea is simple: via an aqueduct channel water was brought from a source to a city with en route tunnels, bridges, and alike. But what was the coping strategy for seasonal fluctuations in the supply, day and night rhythms on the demand side, temporarily closing of a section for maintenance and other major steps because of e.g. extra supply or extra users? How did an aqueduct work, how the control took place, where, when, and by who? How was the communication organized? We know of some regulation basins like the one in Uzes, part of the aqueduct of Nimes (France) where, if necessary, the water flow could be diverted towards a river nearby. But about the exact operations we are still ignorant.

9. Operations