Sewage and Water Systems
by Lauren Blumenfeld
Around 4000 BCE, the earliest pipe was made in Babylon molded out of clay. Clay was also used to surround a pit in which people would crouch over an opening in a small room as an "ancient toilet". The waste would fall through the opening and down into the pit, where more pieces of clay were placed to help absorb the smell.
The ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro had a very advanced sewage system. The water was carried by an underground sewage system. Sewage from the houses would flow down into a sewer line that continued down the street grid. The whole city was built at elevation to prevent flooding and water pollution. The drainage and sewage systems carried the dirty water away from the living areas. Bathrooms were normally located on the street side, for easy flowing. Poor and rich all had this sewage system in their homes, which meant clean water for everyone.
Mohenjo-Daro also had running water in houses. Each house had a well and clay pipes that carried water to each room. There were also public wells throughout the cities where people could bathe or wash clothes.
The Great Bath was a giant tank built in the city of Mohenjo-Daro and is 39 feet long, 23 feet wide, and 8 feet deep. Once the water in the pool had been used, it was taken out through a 6 foot drain along one side of the bath. Scholars believe this was used for religious purposes, such as ritual bathing. Others believe it was simply used for hygienic purposes.
Mohenjo-Daro also had running water in houses. Each house had a well and clay pipes that carried water to each room. There were also public wells throughout the cities where people could bathe or wash clothes.
The Great Bath was a giant tank built in the city of Mohenjo-Daro and is 39 feet long, 23 feet wide, and 8 feet deep. Once the water in the pool had been used, it was taken out through a 6 foot drain along one side of the bath. Scholars believe this was used for religious purposes, such as ritual bathing. Others believe it was simply used for hygienic purposes.