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.

Augusta Raurica Wasserleitung Foto Susanne Schenker

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.

The sight in the geodata viewer (GeoView BL)