10: The Water System
- Page ID
- 175820
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In 1418, two 2.5-mile long Chapultepec aqueducts were constructed to bring freshwater for cleaning and washing to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, where the historic center of Mexico City stands today. The original aqueduct was constructed of clay and was destroyed by rains in 1449 but a second aqueduct was later constructed of stone, wood and soil. This aqueduct was destroyed by Spanish conquistadors, but in the 1700s they rebuilt the aqueduct following the original Aztec Chapultepec aqueduct route.
Remains of the Spanish-built Aqueduct of Chapultepec in Mexico City. Figure \(\PageIndex{a}\): Chapultepec aqueduct. Image by Diana du Vent CC-BY-SA.
- 10.1: Fresh Water Supply and the Hydrologic Cycle
- This page highlights the importance of water, air, and food as essential resources for humans, focusing on the water cycle and the distribution of freshwater. It discusses the impact of human activities on freshwater availability, emphasizing the significance of rivers, lakes, and groundwater, particularly in arid regions. The dynamics of groundwater management and aquifer recharge are examined, including both natural and artificial methods to sustain water supply.
- 10.2: Water Pollution
- This page discusses water pollution, highlighting its causes, including agriculture, industry, and sewage. It emphasizes the health risks of untreated wastewater and the importance of water treatment. The Clean Water Act addresses point source pollution, while remediation efforts aim to clean contaminated sites. Additionally, effective watershed management is essential for preserving riparian areas and improving water quality.
- 10.3: Case Study - The Aral Sea - Going, Going, Gone
- This page explains the drastic shrinking of the Aral Sea since the 1960s due to Soviet irrigation projects diverting water for cotton cultivation. Once the fourth largest inland body of water, it now occupies only about 10% of its size, causing ecological devastation, extinction of fish, increased salinity, climate changes, and health issues from polluted dust storms. While restoration efforts have started, the southern part of the sea remains nearly dry.
Attribution
Modified by Erin Rempala (CC-BY(opens in new window)).