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  Home > Historical Sources > Vitruvius, On Architecture, Book VIII, Chapter VI
 
 
 
Jerusalem Archaeological Park
Vitruvius, On Architecture, Book VIII, Chapter VI

1. The supply of water is made by three methods: by conduits along artificial channels, or by lead pipes, or by earthenware tubes. And they are arranged as follows. In the case of channels, the structure must be on a very solid foundation; the bed of the current must be levelled with a fall of not less than 6 inches in 100 feet. The channels are to be arched over to protect the water from the sun. When they come to the city walls, a reservoir is to be made. To this a triple receptacle is to be joined, to receive the water; and three pipes of equal size are to be put in the reservoir, leading to the adjoining receptacles, so that when there is an overflow from the two outer receptacles, it may deliver into the middle receptacle.
3. If there are hills between the city and the fountain head, we must proceed as follows. Tunnels are to be dug underground and leveled to the fall already described. If the formation to the earth is of tufa or stone, the channel may be cut in its own bed; but if it is of soil or sand the bed and the walls with the vaulting are to be constructed in the tunnel through which the water is to be brought. Air shaft are to be at the distance of one actus (120 feet) apart.
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