The water conduit – fresh water for the town
The fact that the Romans built excellent fresh-water supply systems has long been known. One such system was in operation at Augusta Raurica. Via a subterranean masonry water conduit it brought water from the River Ergolz in what is today the Liestal municipal area over a distance of some 6.5 km into the town.
Just outside the town wall the conduit merged into an aqueduct, which in turn funnelled the water into a water tower where it was stored.
From here it was distributed to the various urban water pipes. The latter were generally made of wood and, like our modern-day pipes, were laid beneath the streets and roads. The water was distributed to various public fountains, baths and toilets and also into the private homes of the wealthy – a clean solution for everyone.