Acqua Vergine: The Answer to Rome's Water Troubles
Acqua Vergine: The Answer to Rome's Water Troubles Aqua Anio Vetus, the first raised aqueduct built in Rome, started off supplying the individuals living in the hills with water in 273 BC, although they had counted on natural springs up until then. Outside of these aqueducts and springs, wells and rainwater-collecting cisterns were the sole technologies obtainable at the time to supply water to locations of high elevation. Starting in the sixteenth century, a new program was introduced, using Acqua Vergine’s subterranean segments to provide water to Pincian Hill. Pozzi, or manholes, were engineered at regular intervals along the aqueduct’s channel. Though they were originally planned to make it possible to support the aqueduct, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi started using the manholes to collect water from the channel, starting when he bought the property in 1543. The cistern he had made to gather rainwater wasn’t adequate to meet his water requirements.
Thankfully, the aqueduct sat under his residence, and he had a shaft opened to give him accessibility.
Keep Your Large Outdoor Fountain Tidy
Keep Your Large Outdoor Fountain Tidy Adequate care and regular maintenance are important to the longevity of water fountains. A typical issue with fountains is that they tend to gather dirt and debris, so it is vital that you keep it free from this. Additionally, anywhere light from the sun combines with still water, algae can form. Either sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be blended into the water to eliminate this problem. There are those who like to use bleach, but that is dangerous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided. Every three-four months, garden fountains should undergo a good cleaning. Before you can start cleaning it you need to empty out all of the water. When you have done this, wash inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. A good tip is to use a toothbrush if there are small hard-to-reach spots. Make sure all the soap is completely rinsed off.
Make sure you get rid of any calcium or plankton by taking the pump apart and washing the inside properly. Soaking it in vinegar for a time will make it easier to scrub. Build-up can be a big headache, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to prevent this dilemma.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking on it every day - this will keep it in tip-top condition. If the water level falls below the pump’s intake level, it can hurt the pump and cause it to burn out - something you don't want to happen!