Interesting read - A Formal Study of Applied Ancient Water Management Techniques In the Present Water Crisis

 Over the course of yesterday evening, I read through a number of theses and studies on the varied water management practices of numerous ancient civilisations. This (lengthy) quote from the conclusion of Jesann M. Gonzalez Cruz stuck with me:

"Rain will pour, floods will rise, temperatures will increase, desertification will occur. Humans cannot command the environment. The reaction, however, can be controlled and this begins with a change in discourse. An archaeological perspective is uniquely suited to mediate this discourse because it views the current water crisis through assessing the vulnerabilities and strengths of past water management systems. Analyzing the dynamics of water management and approaches through time allow for better predictions on future implementations. More importantly, ancient people had a great understanding of the environment and incorporated that into their engineering design. This is something that can be borrowed in a modern age attempting to stabilize resources."

The below-linked thesis studied ancient water management techniques from Tenochtitlan (presently Mexico City), Angkor, and Petra and contrasted them with the current water management techniques for those locations. Taking into account water availability, distribution and quality. And the effects of urban growth.

Link to thesis