Springs were the most common source for the aqueducts’ water. Rome’s supply of water came from various springs in the Anio Valley and its uplands. The water was fed into stone or concrete spring houses from uphill; it then entered the aqueduct conduit. They had to survey the land very carefully in order to make sure that the water would flow at an acceptable speed for the entire distance. There were many scattered springs that would feed into the main channels. Some of their systems drew water from purposely built dammed reservoirs such as the two (still in use) that supplied the aqueduct at the provincial city of Emerita Augusta. Modern engineers still use these basic concepts for our modern water and sewer systems.
The aqueducts not only provided clean water but also a way for them to create a sewer system. The first sewer system in ancient Rome was built around 800 BC. A system of thirteen Roman aqueducts provided the inhabitants of Rome with water of varying quality, the best being reserved for drinking and cooking.…show more content… Bathhouses provided not only a way for citizens to stay clean but also a way to socialize, exercise, and to unwind after work. Roman baths started at the height of the Roman Empire. They served the community because no matter your socioeconomic status, the citizens could still use the public baths. Rich folk had a tendency to use the Roman public baths daily, while poorer folk tended to visit them on a weekly basis. The reason for this was the fees to visit the bathhouses were moderate; citizens who did not make a whole lot could not afford to waste money on bathing every day. Our modern day Jacuzzi was created using ideas from the Roman bathhouses. Spas today resemble some of the same designs as the Roman bathhouses. Gymnasiums, exercise areas, steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, and swimming pools are all things that we can thank the Romans