The Industrial Heritage of Water: How tap water reached our homes

A look at the testimonies of that technical and scientific revolution that would bring tap water to our homes.

A black and white image of an industrial complex with several buildings and tall chimneys emitting smoke. The foreground features open, cultivated fields, and distant hills and mountains are visible in the background.
Central de SGAB de Cornellà

The deployment of the entire water supply infrastructure, of a profoundly transformative and revolutionary nature, would change people’s quality of life forever.

An ornate collage featuring historical landmarks and scenes from the year 1888, with a central coat of arms. It includes illustrations of buildings, a fountain, statues, and landscapes, framed with decorative elements.
Cartell de l'Exposició Universal de Barcelona (1888) per Pere Joan Bonet
Sepia-toned photograph of an ornate exhibition hall with decorative displays and signage for P. Cucurny Barcelona. The hall features elaborate woodwork and draped fabric. The display includes various items arranged on shelves and tables.
Exposició Universal de Barcelona. Palau de la Indústria. 1888

It is a qualitative leap that is part of the Industrial Revolution. In a context of innovation, economic take-off and demographic growth, but also of overcrowding of the urban population.

A young girl sits by a well in a thoughtful pose, wearing a plaid shawl and blue skirt. A green watering can is placed nearby. The background reveals a blurry landscape with trees and sky, indicating an outdoor setting.

Of architectural and engineering value, over the years water infrastructures have taken on historical meaning and heritage value. “It is the expression of the immense intellectual, financial and technological effort made during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries” (James Douet, 2018)

Of architectural and engineering value, over the years water infrastructures have taken on historical meaning and heritage value. “It is the expression of the immense intellectual, financial and technological effort made during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries” (James Douet, 2018)

A tall, ornate water tower with a pointed roof stands on a narrow street. The tower is supported by multiple columns and surrounded by parked cars. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and there are trees on the left side.
Torre de l'aigua de Sabadell
A black-and-white photo shows a man wearing a cap and suit operating machinery inside an industrial facility. The room has large, visible pipes and equipment, with windows allowing natural light to fill the space.
Maquinista con las bombas de vapor (1920)

The dynamism of the time encouraged the emergence of initiatives to create new water supply systems, taking advantage of the impetus provided by the scientific and technological advances produced during the Industrial Revolution.

A serene landscape featuring a small, calm body of water surrounded by lush greenery and trees. In the background, a few houses can be seen on a hillside under a clear blue sky. A metal fence is in the foreground.
Pantà de Vallvidrera

Demographic growth and immigration to the big cities caused an exponential increase in demand. With innovative contributions from hydraulic engineering, such as modern arch dams, reservoirs were created with sufficient capacity to supply water to entire neighborhoods.

A vintage document titled Compagnie des Eaux de Barcelone, established in Liège, approved by Royal Decree on July 5, 1867. It includes the word Statuts and is published in Liège by H. Dessain, Editeur, in 1867.
Estatuts de la Companyia d'Aigües de Barcelona Compañía de Aguas de Barcelona1867
A vintage document from the Compañía de Aguas de Barcelona, featuring decorative handwritten text, a 50 cent postage stamp, and official signatures. The paper shows signs of aging with slight discoloration and creases.
Pòlissa de la Compañía de Aguas de Barcelona

In the case of Barcelona, in 1867 the Compagnie des Eaux de Barcelona in Liège was formed, which would complete the project of supplying it from Dosrius to Barcelona’s Eixample.

A historic black and white photo of a long, arched stone bridge crossing a barren, undulating landscape. Sparse vegetation and distant trees are visible, adding depth to the rural scene. The bridges arches create a repetitive pattern.
Aqüeducte de Dosrius

Built between 1867 and 1871, the Dosrius aqueduct was the first major engineering project undertaken by the Compagnie des Eaux de Barcelona to supply water to the Catalan capital.

A vintage industrial scene featuring large machinery inside a spacious, high-ceilinged room with arched windows. The room is filled with intricate metal equipment and gears, illuminated by natural light streaming through the windows.
Sala de màquines de vapor de la Central Besòs (1910)

The industrialized implementation of the service has been a highly transformative process, to the point of being known as the water revolution. A path that began at the end of the nineteenth century and would last until the 1960s due to the Civil War and the post-war period.

A tall, ornate tower with a dome stands surrounded by trees on a hillside. In the background, rolling hills and a vast landscape stretch under a partly cloudy sky, accompanied by a slender metal antenna structure.
Torreó del Tibidabo Josep Amargós i Samaranch (edifici) i Joan Torras Guardiola (depòsit)1905

The industrial heritage of water in Catalonia is abundant in richness and diversity and is scattered throughout the territory. Knowing and preserving it helps us to better understand our history and preserve our identity.

A stone aqueduct with three arches is silhouetted against a bright blue sky with the sun shining overhead. The foreground is filled with lush green foliage and vibrant blue flowers.
Aqüeducte de Can Nyac

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