This 'Astonishing water' photos section offers some mystery and/or astonishing water photos that illustrate the diversity of innovative water uses and devices globally. Enjoy our astonishing water world!
Astonishing photo 1
Niagara Falls (USA/Canada)
"Until the development of the New York State Reservation Park in 1885, nearly all the shoreline property along the Niagara Gorge and every viewing area of the Falls was privately owned. Following the creation of the Reservation Park, the State of New York continued to entice industrialization with an offer of cheap water power"
See more details at
http://www.niagarafrontier.com/milldistrict.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls_Hydraulic_Power_and_Manufacturing_Company
Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_well_
Astonishing photo 2
Raised beds, Suphan Buri, Thailand
Raised beds are very popular in Southeast-Asia for vegetable and fruit tree crops in hydromorphic soils, most especially in deltas (see a Mexicain equivalent: chinampas).
Irrigation of crops occurs directly through maintaining the water levels in the ditch but also through sprinklers : where can water be sourced from ? from the ditches of course, through a small floating pump that follows the farmer as he proceeds along the bed…
See the original photo at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/48357951542/in/dateposted/
Photo credit: François Molle/IRD
Astonishing photo 3
'Aerial well', Trans en Provence, France
An aerial well is a structure or device that collects the condensation of moisture from air. This idea is actually quite old, as can be seen from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_well_(condenser). This impressive mega-structure has been designed by Belgium engineer Achille Knapen in 1930. It never worked… but is still there to be seen.
See, in French, ‘Des fontaines sans source’ by A.Gioda
http://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/pleins_textes_5/b_fdi_31-32/34749.pdf
http://www.transenprovence.info/archives/2015/02/16/31533708.html
Photo Credit Wikipedia : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:Puits_aerien_Knappen.jpg
Astonishing photo 4
Lobuche, Kumbu Valley, Nepal (5000 m in altitude)
A washing machine on top of the world ! Water is sourced directly from the torrent and electricity is generated by a gas engine.
Original : www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/48914265436/in/dateposted/
Photo credit : Patrice Garin
Astonishing photo 5
Damnoen Saduak area, west of Bangkok
Raised beds can be planted with coconut trees, especially in areas under tidal influence where the average salinity is higher. But harvested nuts have to be hauled out of the beds, which are often connected to the plot's surrounding dyke by a simple plank or bamboo.... Water provides a solution: nuts are cut, thrown into the ditch, assembled in garlands, and finally tugged to the exit of the plot with a minimal effort.
Original à https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/48951433961/in/dateposted/
Credit photo: Surachit Chirawet
Astonishing photo 6
Free lunch
Les poissons qui passent par les dissipateurs d’énergie des déversoirs des barrages le font à leurs risques et périls…
American White Pelicans gather at the base of Pyramid Lake’s Marble Bluff Dam, USA
https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/31415805198/in/dateposted/
Credit: USBR (US Bureau of Reclamation)
Astonishing photo 7
Boat lift at Saint-Louis-Arzviller, northeastern France
Le plan incliné de Saint-Louis-Arzviller is a boat lift which is part of the canal linking the Marne and the Rhine rivers and allos the crossing of the Vosges Mountain range, in northeastern France.
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plan_inclin%C3%A9_de_Saint-Louis-Arzviller
The lift celebrated its 50th anniversary this year (2019)
Credit : Patrick Giraud
Astonishing photo 8
Created wetlands, California
These are created wetlands, mostly from previously planted agricultural fields. Most of these are created by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife in collaboration with the Audubon Society, CA Waterfowl Association and Ducks Unlimited to accommodate and encourage winter waterfowl migrants to stop and stay for the season.
Photo with full resolution : https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45450597871/
See other incredible ‘constructed wetlands’ in California and other exceptional pics by Bruce Barnett
Credit : Bruce Barnett
Astonishing photo 9
Natural cooling ‘system’ near Tengchong, Volcanic park, in Yunnan, China
Keeping fruits and bottles cool thanks to the river
Full resolution version at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/40773128405
Credit : Karen Conniff
Astonishing photo 10
Tea pot at Hammam Meskoutine, Algeria
Last week's astonishing photo showed how to make use of the cooling power of rivers.
Why not do the opposite and prepare… tea, temperature allowing of course!
See full resolution pic at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49038145303/in/photostream/
Credit : Eliott MM
Astonishing photo 11
Ladybower reservoir plug hole (spillway), UK
Full resolution original: https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/46970323874/
Credit: Tim Hill
Astonishing photo 12
Mobypompe, Burkina Faso
This device allows a motorcycle engine to be used to pump water and, for example, irrigate small areas
Other photos : https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/48610862283/
Credit : Bruno Barbier/Cirad
Astonishing photo 13
‘Water saving winegrowing’
When saving water is becoming a commercial argument for winegrowers in Chile !
Full resolution original: https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/48693918106/
Credit : Sophie Bradford
Astonishing photo 14
Temple pavillon (chozuya), Kyoto, Japon
Shinto water ablution pavilion for a ceremonial purification rite known as temizu, that can be found at the entrance of temples.
Other chozuya
Original : https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/44536717955
Credit : François Molle
Astonishing photo 15
Dividing groundwater between users, Yemen
Each right holder has a distinct pipe.
Original photo at : https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/38345251985/
Credit : Frank van Steenbergen
Astonishing photo 16
Irrigated terraces along steep wadi, Yemen
Original at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/36497595280/
Credit: Jochen Regner
Astonishing photo 17
Collecting lotus flowers in a flooded field, Central Thailand
Original at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/24076625297/
Credit: François Molle
Astonishing photo 18
Makeshift swimming pool, Palestine
In the vicinity of BirZeit, a Palestinian father built a swimming pool with plastic sheets in his vegetable garden for the children of the village.
Original at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/28442840289/
Credit: Heiner Schmitz
Astonishing photo 19
Sharing water equitably
Village Water Supply System - Kis - Near Sheki – Azerbaijan
Credit: Adam Jones @ Flickr/ see Adam's great albums at www.flickr.com/photos/adam_jones/albums
Astonishing photo 20
Enjoying curative mineral waters, Madagascar
Credit: Rod Waddington; see Rod's amazing collection at www.flickr.com/photos/rod_waddington
Astonishing photo 21
Terraced paddy-fields, Yunan, China
Whether from China, Vietnam or Philippines, terraced paddy-fields are inevitably irresistible
See our dazzling collection of terraced fields
See original HD at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/43993334710/
Credit: Isabelle Chauvel
Astonishing photo 22
Moving wood on Lake Tana, Ethiopia
No boat needed here. The wood is clustered and floated across the lake.
See original resolution at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/36450196553/
Credit: François Molle
Astonishing photo 23
Bride on boat, Vietnam
The bride is taken to the groom’s house for the wedding ceremony
Presumably he leaves on the other side of the lake
See original resolution at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/30743147047/
Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh (on pixabay)
Astonishing photo 24
Alluvial fan and spate irrigation in Iran
The art of diverting and sharing water
Source: NASA image created by Jesse Allen, using data from NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS, and the U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team. Caption by Rebecca Lindsey, based on interpretation provided on the ASTER Project Science Imagery Gallery Website. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=36041
Astonishing photo 25
Lovely oasis
Huacachina oasis, Ica, Peru
See original resolution at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45760376022/
Credit : Willian Justen de Vasconcellos; unsplash
Astonishing photo 26
Taum Sauk reservoir failure, USA
An elevated view of the path of the failure and the drained reservoir.
This conspicuous elevated reservoir has been constructed on top of Proffit Mountain to store water pumped out of peak time and to generate electricity during peak times.
See Hydropower Reform Coalition - www.hydroreform.org see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taum_Sauk_Hydroelectric_Power_Station
And original resolution at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/44845821054/
Credit: Missouri Attorney General's Office.
Astonishing photo 27
Waste from drip irrigation lines, Diama, Senegal
Drip irrigation generates considerable plastic waste, as drip lines have to be replaced between one and five years, according to their quality and local conditions.
Original resolution photo at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/38612487830/
Credit: Jean-Yves Jamin, Cirad
Astonishing photo 28
People releasing fish to acquire merit, Bangkok
Fish released in water by Buddhist people willing to acquire merit (tham bun), Wat Yaowarat, Bangkok, Thailand.
The slide is used to release fish without harming them.
See original resolution at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/42557203711/
Credit: François Molle
Astonishing photo 29
Energy dissipating structure after a weir, Japan
Katsu-uri weir on the Kinu River, north of Tokyo
See full resolution original photo at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/44536694935/
Credit: François Molle, IRD (and thanks to Dr Satoh)
Astonishing photo 30
Nilometer, Cairo
Several nilometers allowed the measure of the flood intensity in the Nile valley. The river communicates with the shaft where the water level can be conveniently read.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nilometer
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/38588325590/
Credit: François Molle, IRD
Astonishing photo 31
Seat to cool-down along Karkorum Highway, Pakistan
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49013401483/
Credit: Karen Conniff
Astonishing photo 32
Collective water lifting, Chao Phraya Delta, Thailand
Axial pumps powered by 2-wheel tractors are ubiquitous in Thailand.
Here in Lop Buri province farmers congregate in the dry season to suck up water from a main drain.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/48611339917/
Credit: Credit: Khun Somboon, Ban Nong Mon
Astonishing photo 33
Water mirrors, Tannourine, northern Lebanon
No large-scale dams in northern Lebanon
Locals develop small-scale reservoirs to allow supllmentary irrigation
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/48635835231/
Credit: Caroline Coulon
Astonishing photo 34
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, UK
The aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the valley of the River Dee
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45502702884/
Credit: Martin Clark https://commons.wikimedia.org/
Astonishing photo 35
Zorbing
Playing in water
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49616940023/
Credit: Pxfuel, Public Domain Dedication
Astonishing photo 36
Single-leg-rower, Lake Inle, Myanmar
Lake Inle is famous for its fishermen and their unique boating/fishing techniques
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/40792867873
See also https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49617718047
Credit: pixabay.com/fr/users/loggawiggler
Astonishing photo 37
Basin irrigation on steep slopes, Algeria
Basin irrigation of olive trees is common on the plains of Northern Africa. But how to water olive trees by gravity on steep slopes? Water is conducted through infiltration ponds constructed at the foot of each tree.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49174440492 and also https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49174440607/
Credit: Nabil Kherbache
Astonishing photo 38
Salt evaporation pans, Maras, Peru
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maras,_Peru
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/47706740792/
and other photos of Maras https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=143925215%40N04&view_all=1&text=maras%20salt
Credit: Credit: pixabay.com/fr/users/jdbenthien-2698911/
Astonishing photo 39
‘Black hole’, Chao Phraya River bank, Bangkok
Flash floods are a big problem in Bangkok, which has 40% of its area under sea level. Natural drainage through canals, even equipped with pumps stations at their extremity, is insufficient. Tunnels are being built underneath the canals to help convey excess flows to an outlet where vertical pumps will extract the water flow into the Chao Phraya River. The black colour of the water indicates that drainage water is mixed with sewage water, both being conveyed by the same canals.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/42557204051
Credit: François Molle
Astonishing photo 40
Indus - Zanskar river confluence, India
Clear waters encounter a silt-loaded river. There are several well known examples of such confluences, notably the Rio negro – Rio Amazonas confluence https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/31418262348
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49152667678
see also https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/40760094445
Credit: Satish Krishnamurthy; Flickr
Astonishing photo 41
Watering onions downstream of Bagré reservoir, Burkina Faso
Large local calabashes (gourds) are used as watering cans
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/37625723256/
Credit: Jacques Lemoalle/IRD
Astonishing photo 42
Man fishing with a spear on a makeshift raft.
Banani urban Lake, Dhaka, Bangladesh
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/27701753099/
Credit: Benjamin Noury
Astonishing photo 43
Irrigated flower production in a flooded field, Sa Dec, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Crop care is done on boats.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49660897398/
Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh at Pexel
Astonishing photo 44
Spectacular dam spillway New York State, USA
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49008530271/
Credit: //www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/5902919002">www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/5902919002>
Astonishing photo 45
Basket-boats are quite common on the channels of the Mekong Delta
With a not-so-easy-to-master rowing technique!
The basket is tar-coated to make it waterproof
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/38905671462/
Credit: WorldFish/Jamie Oliver
Astonishing photo 46
‘Pirogues’ on a tributary (Nam Ngouang) of the Mekong River, Laos
These boats were made out of kerosene tanks dropped by B52 air planes during the Vietnam War
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/48827410106/
Credit: Credit: Guillaume Lacombe/Cirad
Astonishing photo 47
Urban pool in Dubai
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45215624615/
Credit: Pixabay/zauber2001;
Astonishing photo 48
Children playing in irrigation canals, Morocco
This ‘duck bill weir’ structure in the Haouz, Marrakech, is taken advantage of by children to play in water
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/27617960155/
Credit: François Molle/IRD
Astonishing photo 49
Oval-shaped ‘duck bill weir’
Conspicuous weir on a canal in Morocco
Also see another instance of such a weir at https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/43477235480/
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/27617960155
Credit: Thierry Ruf/IRD
Astonishing photo 50
Magnificent ‘stepwell’, Rajasthan
Chand Baori at Abhaneri (Dausa, Rajasthan), India
Also see https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=143925215%40N04&view_all=1&text=stepwell
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/31954010838/
Credit: Chethan/Flickr
Astonishing photo 51
Loktak Lake, floating fisheries in Manipur, India
"Phumdis are a series of floating islands, exclusive to the Loktak Lake in Manipur state, in northeastern India. They cover a substantial part of the lake area and are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil and organic matter, in different stages of decay (...) Phumdis are used by the local people for constructing their huts for fishing and other livelihood uses, and are inhabited by about 4000 people. Athapums are artificial circular phumdis, built by the villagers as enclosures for fish farming; aquaculture has caused proliferation of the phumdis in the lake". (Wikipedia) see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phumdi
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/39843940100/
Credit: Karen Conniff
Astonishing photo 52
Archimedean screws evacuating drainage water, Senegal River Delta, Senegal
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/38612490740/
Credit: Credit: Jean-Yves Jamin/Cirad
Astonishing photo 53
Canal des Moines, Corrèze, France
Irrigation canal constructed by monks in the XIIth century and now renovated. The canal is either dug in or stuck to the cliff.
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canal_des_moines
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45451357551/
Credit : François Molle
Astonishing photo 54
How to re-use dripper line waste, Algeria
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49153279242/
Credit: Nassim Ait Mouheb/INRAe
Astonishing photo 55
Diversion canal in Alagoas, Brazil
New diversion canal to transfer water from the Sao Francisco River
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/31260631647/
Credit/CODEVASF/Divulgação ; www.flickr.com/photos/codevasf
Matheus Sandes / Seinfra - AL; and Alzir Lima
Astonishing photo 56
The Ivanhoe Reservoir filled with shade balls, USA
Black balls covering LA reservoir: https://www.sciencealert.com/here-s-what-s-really-going-on-with-those-black-balls-in-the-la-reservoir
"Yet despite their reputation for saving water, these balls were not put here just to reduce evaporation. The problem actually started with bromide, a natural substance found in salt water.
Bromide on its own is harmless to humans, but if some of this salty water creeps into the reservoir and undergoes ozone treatment with the rest of LA's drinking water, it can form the compound bromate. And bromate is a carcinogen".
"Originally called "bird balls", the solution was both odd and oddly perfect. Typically used around airports to stop birds from perching in nearby water, the black balls also turned out to be highly effective at keeping out sunlight"
https://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-shade-balls-water-quality.html
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50534073686/
Credit: By Junkyardsparkle - Own work, CC0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44177898
Astonishing photo 57
Wasabi fields, Japan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasabi
Wasabi is a rhizome that grows during 15 months in streambeds with the purest running water
It is very difficult to find appropriate sites and only two major ones can be found in Japan
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50534224052/
And other photos of wasabi https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=143925215%40N04&view_all=1&text=wasabi
Credit: By lienyuan lee, CC BY 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54464514
Astonishing photo 58
Baobab cisterns
On the Mahafaly plateau, Madagascar, people carve baobabs to use them as cisterns to store excess water in the rainy season an use it in the dry season.
They can contain up to 9 m3 of water.
See documentary (in French) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JVIn5urKc8&list=PLBZ3LrHoN5qxO8bThoeONKmBbUhg0rTho&index=10
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50534239431/
Credit: Pascal Danthu/Cirad
Astonishing photo 59
Spillway of the Ataturk Dam, Turkey
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/37034645333/in/photostream/
Credit: François Molle/IRD
Astonishing photo 60
Pollution and foam in the Yamuna River, India
See more at https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/delhi-pollution-devotees-stand-knee-deep-in-toxic-foam-in-delhis-yamuna-for-chhath-puja-39602/
Credit: https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/delhi-pollution-devotees-stand-knee-deep-in-toxic-foam-in-delhis-yamuna-for-chhath-puja-39602/
'Open bar' at fountain, Italy
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/33882494038/in/photostream/
Credit: Pixabay
Jeans and water, London
Keep on consuming, at no cost to the earth
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50533496483/
Credit: Sophie Bradford
Small water-wheels on village canal, Kurama, North of Kyoto, Japan
These communal diversion weir and canal are made use of to generate electricity for domestic use.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50338585622/
Credit: François Molle
Fire water, Namdapha Park Arunachal Praddesh, India
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49013929806/
Credit: Karen Conniff
With warm tribute to our friend David Molden who just retired after 10 years at ICIMOD
Dabab, Sinkhole, Oman
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/47873895821/
Credit: Credit: Flickr/Hannah Jane
Falkirk Wheel, Scotland
A spectacular ‘boat-lift’ (See other photos On the web)
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/32041249738/
Credit: Flickr/Matt Malone;
Morning glory pool, hot spring, Yellowstone, USA
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50792663942/
Monkeys enjoying hot water springs in winter, Japan
See more photos on the web
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50792710692/
Credit: Andrew Tan at pixabay.com
Houses on stilts, Xuan Thuy National Park, Vietnam
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50459141926/
Credit: Jean-Louis Janeau/IRD indigo.ird.fr/fr
Kerala (tourist) Boat house, Alleppey backwaters, India
See more Kerala boat houses on the web
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49153306602/
Draining water over the highways, Chao Phraya Delta, Thailand
Main canals draining the Chao Phraya Delta towards the sea intersect roads.
In general bridges are built over (older) canals but in this case (a new canal over old roads) the opposite solution has been implemented.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50750428668/
Credit: Thanawat Bremard
Lucky pond in Gingaku-ji (silver) temple, Kyoto, Japan
If you can throw a coin onto the flat stone in the middle, you'll have good luck!
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45399803812/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkaku-ji
Los Angeles aqueduct cascades, California, USA
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/30515024907/
and more at https://mavensphotoblog.com/2013/11/08/the-la-aqueduct-cascades-a-rare-opportunity-to-step-inside-the-facility/
Credit: Chris 'Maven' Austin; see Mavens Notebook (www.MavensNotebook.com) and www.flickr.com/photos/mavensnotebook/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Aqueduct
Duck rearing in Takeo Province, Cambodia
Pink ducks are coloured by their owners in order to recognize them.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/43632810300/
Credit: Jean-Philippe-Venot/IRD
Cluster of khettara (qanat) in Morocco
More photos of qanats on the web
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49587269416/
Credit: Thierry Ruf/IRD from www.indigo.ird.fr
Water palace, Jaipur, India
The Jal Mahal is less well-known than the Taj Mahal but fascinating too
https://unusualplaces.org/an-indian-wonder-hidden-under-water-the-jal-mahal-palace/
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50740945191/
Credit: Rod Waddington @Flickr
Stone beaver dam
Beavers use rocks for their dams when mud and branches are less available, as seen on Bear Creek, a tributary to the Truckee River, in Alpine Meadows, California.
But they of course also use trees: https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=143925215%40N04&view_all=1&text=beavers
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50962532671/
Scooping water in the Red River Delta, near Hanoi
Various scooping devices are/were used in Asia to lift water over small heights.
This device requires the coordinated movements of two highly skilled persons
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50334995672/in/photostream/
Cooling system for hot groundwater in Saharan desert, Tunisia
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51008820697/
The magical flood, Niger
The annual flood of Komadougou Yobé near Diffa (in 1990). Children accompany it and run ahead of it.
An old woman collects the first foam and keeps it in a plastic bag (Leduc).
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49437901428/
Kurumada circular rice field, Japan
Kurumada is the word meaning round rice field. This style of farming is now almost gone but used to be considered a way of planting a field to the gods. No manure or dirty water was permitted to be used on one of these fields.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49153136946/
Traditional great fishing party, North Cameroon
A barrier of fish traps across the river; this photo has been taken in 1969
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50335805923/
And other photos of this event
Water and well being: elephant massage session in water in Pinnawala, Sri Lanka
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/30973499367/
And our other photos of elephant blissfulness
Credit: Credit: Flickr/Dhammika Heenpella;
Thames barrier, panorama, UK
The Thames Barrier is a retractable barrier system that is designed to prevent the floodplain of most of Greater London from being flooded by exceptionally high tides and storm surges moving up from the North Sea. It has been operational since 1982. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_Barrier
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50791797258/
And other photos of the barrier
Credit: //www.flickr.com/photos/50144889@N08/">www.flickr.com/photos/50144889@N08/>
Loy Krathong festival, Lumphini Park, Bangkok, Thailand
Loi Krathong is a Siamese festival celebrated annually throughout the Kingdom of Thailand and in nearby countries with significant southwestern Tai cultures (Laos, Shan, Mon, Tanintharyi, Kelantan, Kedah and Xishuangbanna). The name could be translated as "to float ritual vessel or lamp," and comes from the tradition of making krathong or buoyant, decorated baskets, which are then floated on a river. Many Thais use the krathong to thank the Goddess of Water, the Hindu Goddess Ganga (river in Northern India), Phra Mae Khongkha. This festival can see the traces of its origin back to India. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loi_Krathong
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49038881602/
Credit: Fickr / Philip Hayward;
Boat made out of plastic bottles, Brazil
Credit: https://it.stroifaq.com/garden-and-structure/landscape-design/planting-of-greenery/the-original-idea-of-craft-bottles-garden-miracles-for-pennies.html
Tuhala whitch's well, Estonia
Tuhala Witch's Well (Estonian: Tuhala nõiakaev) is a karst spring in Kose Parish, Harju County, Estonia that overflows after heavy rains.
In Estonian folklore, it is said to be caused by witches lashing each other underground. In 2012 the Tuhala Witch's Well was voted as a "Wonder of Estonia"
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuhala_Witch%27s_Well
www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/world/europe/09witches.html
Johan Sveningsson; Save the Tuhala karst area! tuhalanoiakaevuleappi.com/en/
See the photo with original resolution : https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51141356579/
Floating in the Dead Sea, Israel
With a salinity of 342 g/kg, or 34.2% (in 2011), it is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water – 9.6 times as salty as the ocean –
and has a density of 1.24 kg/litre, which makes swimming similar to floating
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sea
See the photo with original resolution : https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50962529306/
Credit: Itamar Grinberg/Flickr
Fortified well, Motilla del Azuer, Spain
The "motillas" are fortified sites from the Bronze Age dating from the period between 2200 and 1500 B.C. They are specific to the area of La Mancha, where about twenty have been located. The Motilla del Azuer is the only one that can be visited. It is in Daimiel and is a complex construction with several walls, tortuous corridors and a large courtyard where a recently discovered and excavated well is located. Possibly it was a structure of refuge and defense, not prepared to be used as housing for long periods. The photo shows the well from the central tower.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motillas
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51141459684/
Hydraulic structure, near Takashima, Japan
The terminal reach of an irrigation canal (to the right) is connected through a pipe with the center of the pool.
The round shape of the pool maximizes the length of the spillway and therefore stabilizes the downstream water level in the canal.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50338726337/
Credit: François Molle/IRD
Land subsidence and sinkholes around the Dead Sea, Israel
The drop in the Sea water level dewaters underground salt layers that dissolve and create land subsidence.
More than 4,000 sinkholes have formed since the 1980s within a 60-km-long and 1-km-wide strip along the western coast of the Dead Sea (DS) in Israel. (source)
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51107522391/
Fisheries at Lake Awassa, Ethiopia
Pelicans, marabous and other birds wait for their share of fish...
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51212383467/
And other photos of fisheries in Lake Awassa https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=143925215%40N04&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=awassa
Credit: Christian Lévêque/IRD
Coracle made out of Yack skin, Tibet
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51107292114/
Conservation agriculture of vineyards, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Water is harvested in funnels that direct water to the plant.
Stones protect the vine from the hot wind and also prevent erosion.
See other photos of vineyards in Lanzarote https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=143925215%40N04&sort=date-taken-desc&text=Lanzarote&view_all=1
Credit: https://charlois.com/les-entonnoirs-du-vignoble-de-la-geria-lanzarote-iles-canaries/
Also see http://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/ed-06-08/010044526.pdf
These pistachio or almonds young trees irrigated by drip lines have been protected from (presumably) the wind
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/43638218370/
Credit: Chris 'Maven' Austin; see Mavens Notebook (www.MavensNotebook.com) and www.flickr.com/photos/mavensnotebook/
Crews corral debris for removal from behind the Lake Oroville flood control spillway gates, California
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/44593580890/
Astonishing photo 97
Buffaloes’ Spa
Water buffaloes keeping cool in the river, Sri lanka
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/26957690194/ and other photos of water buffaloes
Credit: François Molle/IRD
Astonishing photo 98
Chrisman Wind Gap & Grapevines, California, USA
The pumps in the distance are the Chrisman Wind Gap Pumps, which is the first major lift to get Central Valley’s water over the Tehachapis to Southern California (Los Angeles).
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/44730405774/
Greenpeace Mexico campaign against water pollution, Jalisco, Mexico
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/48647360757/
Greenpeace Mexico campaign against water pollution, World Water Day March 2012, El Salto, Juanacatlán, Jalisco
Astonishing photo 100
To celebrate the 100th photo of our ‘Astonishing waters’, here is one of the most outstanding baoli (stepwells) of India
Also see “Victoria Lautman Explores India’s Vanishing Stepwells”: http://m.interiordesign.net/articles/13929-victoria-lautman-explores-india-s-vanishing-stepwells-in-new-book/articles/6807-robert-kleinschmidt/showrooms
Children playing in a groundwater recharge shaft, despite the fence
Ulagapuram, India
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45099893644/
Hot springs and baths, Tolantongo, Mexico
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51484902450/
Group of protesters sprayed by water cannons in Taipei, Taiwan, 2014
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50962494831/
Credit: Credit: By MrWiki321 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32438597
Access pit, underground galleries of Cantalloc (called puquios), near Nazca, Peru
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantalloc_Aqueducts
These precolombian galleries, similar to qanats, drain groundwater to a desired location.
Access pits serve to access water or for maintenance
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50961816448/
And more photos of puquios
Pump station with polluted water, Nile Delta, Egypt
The tail end of Meet Yazid canal, Kafr el Sheikh governorate, Nile Delta, is supplied with drainage water diverted from the nearby Nashart Drain.
This drain is higly polluted and foam is generated by the station pumping this water.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/36863347490/
Credit: François Molle/IRD
A dilapidated ship located at the northeast of Lake Urmia, Iran
Lake Urmia is expected to follow the fate of the Aral Sea
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51484904760/
Mussels farm, France
Shellfish farming in the Charente coastal area, France, is dependent on a level of salinity that results from the mixing of sea water (salinity 35 g/l) with fresh water from the rivers.
Not enough freshwater from rivers is detrimental to the growth of shellfish. Too much fresh water (sudden flows) reduces the salinity of the sea water and also impacts shellfish (mortality, loss of shellfish quality, health risks, etc). The quality of river water also matters.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51243991947/
Hyperintensive table grapes cultivation, Yecla, Segura Basin, Spain
Grapes is irrigated by drip with (overexploited) groundwater
Timkat festival in Gondar, Ethiopia
Every year, during the Timkat festival in Gondar, Ethiopia, orthodox christians gather around this basin and pray during two days. After praying all night people jump into the basin. Water is a sacred element linked to Jesus' baptism.
Timkat (Ge'ez: ጥምቀት) is an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Eritrea Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebration of Epiphany. It is celebrated on January 19th (or 20th in a leap year), corresponding to the 11th day of Terr in the Ge'ez calendar.
Timkat celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan. This festival is best known for its ritual reenactment of baptism (similar to such reenactments performed by numerous Christian the Holy Land when they visit the Jordan).
More at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timkat
Member of Hai Zira community irrigating using the traditional shadduf, Sudan
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51140912068/
Makeshift water wheel in Tajikistan
A local farmer uses the steady stream of an irrigation canal to lift some water to his field
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/30352861587/
Liwa Oasis and the development of tourism, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates
Groundwater, used for irrigation and domestic uses, is overexploited in the Liwa oasis
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51268237933/
Saturnia thermal baths, Italy
See other photos of Saturnia baths https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=143925215%40N04&sort=date-taken-desc&text=saturnia&view_all=1
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51707959448/
Mud therapy in Lake Urmia, Iran
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51483977346/
Ruins of Malpasset Barrage, France
In 1959 Malpasset dam broke and released 50 million cubic meters of water
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malpasset_Dam
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_de_Malpasset
Fil archive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKi8ZnBILs4
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51706920557/
Jacob’s well, Texas
An extraordinary well-like perennial karstic spring in the Texas Hill Country that serves as a popular swimming pool
More details at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob%27s_Well_(Texas)
Other photos here
Cormorant fisherman, Yangshuo, China
To control the birds, the fishermen tie a snare near the base of the bird's throat. This prevents the birds from swallowing larger fish, which are held in their throat, but the birds can swallow smaller fish. When a cormorant has caught a fish in its throat, the fisherman brings the bird back to the boat and has the bird spit the fish up. Though cormorant fishing once was a successful industry, its primary use today is to serve the tourism industry.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cormorant_fishing
Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZSI3pKNpLo
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45843866324/
Bubbler spreading groundwater on to Owens Lake bed for the birds and controlling dust
https://placesjournal.org/article/dreams-dust-and-birds-the-trashing-of-owens-lake/?cn-reloaded=1https://www.lensculture.com/projects/115631-100-years-of-dust-owens-lake
http://www.owenslakeproject.com/
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45454827271/
Brick making, Madagascar
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50534227366/
Little girl feeding fish for Buddhist merit making, Bangkok
The huge number of fish swarming in front of the temple is visible; and so is the inflow of wastewater into the Chao Phraya River, 200 m upstream, that leaves a white trail of foam.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/42557204811/
Girl paddling and transporting lotus stems, Cambodia
Lotus stems are used in cooking
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51836449499/
Credit: Mario Keskinen, Alto University, Finland
Credit: Idriss, Djibouti
Astonishing photo 123
Bamboo water-wheel, Ho-Chi-Minh City, Vietnam
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/46127140111/
Distribution of water to refugees by UNAMID in Sortoni, North Darfur
Tens of thousands of newly displaced persons fled their villages due to the ongoing clashes between the government of Sudan forces and armed movements which began in mid-January 2016 in the Jebel Marra area, North Darfur have sought refuge in a safe zone adjacent to UNAMIDصs team site in Sortoni.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/46278545552/
Vav or Helical Step Well, Champaner, India
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50961777918/
'Running water' at home, India
Bamboo is frequently used as water pipes in rural areas
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51877609268/
Credit: India water Portal
Potholes/’marmites de géant’ in the Abime river, Jura, France
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pothole_(landform)
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51678577043/
Credit: François Molle/IRD
Building an underground dam, Chad
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50534225216/
Commercial high tunnels in Santa Maria, CA, USA
High tunnels protect plants from severe weather and allow farmers to extend their growing seasons – growing earlier into the spring, later into the fall, and sometimes, year-round. And because high tunnels prevent direct rainfall from reaching plants, farmers can use precise tools like drip irrigation to efficiently deliver water and nutrients to plants. High tunnels also offer farmers a greater ability to control pests and can even protect plants from pollen and pesticide drift.
For more information about USDA and high tunnel systems, please see www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/?cid=stelprdb1046250
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51835919614/
Convergence point of three qanats (foggara), Algeria
Ouled said oasis, near Timimoun, Algeria. Three qanats with small flows converge here and their flows are divided by 'qasria' according to water rights. we can see that some right holders have rights in two or three of the qanats and recombine their shares in one outflow pipe. The local name for qanat is 'foggara'.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/26514430839/
Bridge over Laguna Garzón, Uruguay
This is the first bridge designed by architect Rafel Viñoly, who was also designer of the Jazz Lincoln Center in New York and Princeton University Stadium amongst numerous projects. It is iconic, unique in its circular design and ecological in its attention to the aquatic environment above, around and beneath it. Speed limits keep noise and pollution to a minimum and its height allows the continued safe passage of fish and fishing boats.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51877517351/
Drip-irrigated vine grafts, near Carpentras, France
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/33922121068/
Tubewell and 'sprit' image, Karnataka, India
Is the image expected to chase ‘evil spirits’, protect the well, or the crop?
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45981787802/
Credit: Frédéric Landy
Tilapia breeding facility in Jitra, Malaysia
See also https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/42871418470/in/photostream/
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/42871412690/
Vespasianus Titus Water Tunnel, excavated in the rock, Turkey
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vespasianus_Titus_Tunnel;
whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5903/
The Vespasianus Titus Tunnel is an ancient water tunnel built for the city of Seleucia Pieria, the port of Antioch (modern Antakya), in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.[1]
It is located at the foot of the Nur Mountains, near the modern village of Çevlik, 7 km (4.3 mi) northwest of central Samandağ (the medieval port of Saint Symeon) and 35 km (22 mi) southwest of Antakya.
The tunnel is part of a water diversion system consisting of a dam, a short approach channel, the first tunnel section, a short intermediary channel, the second tunnel section and a long discharge channel.
The construction of the tunnel was ordered by the Roman emperor Vespasian (reigned 69–79 AD) to divert the floodwaters running down the mountain and threatening the harbor. It was built by digging the rocks using manpower only. The construction began under Vespasian and continued under his son Titus (r. 79–81 AD) and his successors. It was completed in the 2nd century under Antoninus Pius (r. 138–161). An inscription carved in rock at the entrance of the first tunnel section shows the names of Vespasianus and Titus, and another one at the discharge tunnel the name of Antoninus.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51141356319/
Credit: Wikimedia
Old olive trees irrigated with circular dripper lines, Yecla, Segura Basin, Spain
Old olive trees have deep roots and need to be irrigated with higher flow; a line with several drippers is laid around the tree.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51562405719/
Sulavesi coastal area, Indonesia
Paddy fields at the time of land preparation and after sowing.
High daily rainfall keeps fresh water supply in paddies and the outflow from the river channels mostly controls salinity.
Freshwater is allowed into the plot at high tide and can be drained at low tide.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/27317661269/
Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Bamboo production being floated down the river
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52054955340/
Pilgrims offerings and garbage in Ganges River, India
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/46957826565/
Three generations of lifting devices in the Nile Delta, Egypt
This site was initially a saquia ring (iron water-wheel, right), later replaced by individual pumps (center), and recently equipped with a collective pump by the IIIMP project (with its trashrack and inlet).
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/36863368340
Historical flooding north of Bangkok, Thailand
October 2011
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/45824817311/
Coconut husks being soaked with water for rope making in Thuruttu island, Varkala, Kerala, India
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51877559861/
Cow drowned in an irrigation canal, Nile Delta, Egypt
Canals with steep slopes may prove to be fatal to animals
See another example in Canal de Gignac, near Montpellier https://www.apavh.com/canal-de-gignac-un-pi%C3%A8ge
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51213191958/
Dumping sewage water from septic tanks, India
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51877612103/
School children transportation on the Maroni, Apagui, Grandsanti, French Guyana
In some regions of the world like the Amazon basin, rivers serve as roads
Here in French Guyana, school children are taken by boat daily to their school
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/50740329773
Hunger stone
A hunger stone (German: Hungerstein) is a type of hydrological landmark common in Central Europe. Hunger stones serve as famine memorials and warnings and were erected in Germany and in ethnic German settlements throughout Europe in the 15th through 19th centuries. These stones were embedded into a river during droughts to mark the water level as a warning to future generations that they will have to endure famine-related hardships if the water sinks to this level again. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunger_stone
See some other hunger stones: https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=143925215%40N04&view_all=1&text=hunger%20stone
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52303183303/
'El Ojo' lake, Argentina
On the outskirts of Buenos Aires in Argentina, there is a mysterious circular island located in the Parana Delta which rotates on its own axis like a distant planet. Scientists believe that the unusual island—known in Argentina as “El Ojo” or “The Eye”—formed in 2003. There is not yet a scientific consensus about how the circular island formed, but there are countless wild theories which involve extraterrestrial life…
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52220712480/
Credit: unusualplaces.org/the-eye-argentina/
Spiral jetty, Great Salt Lake, USA
Spiral Jetty is an earthwork sculpture constructed in April 1970 that is considered to be the most important work of American sculptor Robert Smithson. Smithson documented the construction of the sculpture in a 32-minute color film also titled Spiral Jetty. It is built on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake near Rozel Point in Utah entirely of mud, salt crystals, and basalt rocks.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral_Jetty
See more photos of Spiral Jetty
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52220221271/
Terraced paddy fields, Sapa, Vietnam
Our 150th ‘Amazing waters’ photo shows a well-known spot with terraced paddy fields in Vietnam.
The question is: how can the plot on top of the mount be irrigated? The answer is provided by the small bamboo aqueduct that takes water to it …
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/49583183807/
Credit: Thanhhoa Tran at Pexels.com
Milky river, France
The Doron de Belleville is a river in Savoy (French Alps) that drains large formations of gypsum rocks. Gypsum dissolved in water turns rivers conspicuoulsly milky.
See the white Doron merging with a ‘black’ tributary https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52303442159/in/photostream/
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52302188147/
Gas bottle reused as a water partitioner for domestic water supply in a rural area of Kirghizstan
The 5 outlets have been drilled at the same level in the bottle, to ensure a degree of equity in distribution
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52359384949/
Credit: Marielle Montginoul
Astonishing photo 153
Fosse-Dionne karstic spring and wash-house, Tonnerre, France
La Fosse Dionne is one of the largest springs in France, situated in the center of the town of Tonnerre (Burgundy) at the base of a limestone plateau. The town was created around the spring. In 1758 the spring pool was converted into a lavoir with a semi-circular enclosure and a hierarchy of water channels. La Fosse Dionne's annual average flow is 200 liters/s (66 gallons per second). The cave above the spring has been explored to a depth of 200′ deep and a lateral displacement of 1,180′ within underground limestone faults and clay membranes. Exploration is now restricted since three divers have died. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19369174
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52303183373/
Astonishing photo 154
Conspicuous groundwater resurgence, Kirghizistan
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52359074206/in/photostream/
And the surrounding landscape https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52358122487/in/photostream/
Astonishing photo 155
Corporate bluewashing, UK
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52220221366/
Astonishing photo 156
Montenegro's Water Tree
The Dinoša mulberry tree is a mulberry tree in the village of Dinoša, Montenegro, which gushes water from its trunk after heavy rainfall. It is thought that groundwater from a spring forces its way through a cavity in the tree. The phenomenon first occurred in the 1990s, and occurs once a year.
See more at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dino%C5%A1a_mulberry_tree
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52219218407/
Source: unusualplaces.org/montenegro-water-tree/
Astonishing photo 157
Dubai love lake
And other photos of the lake https://fr.depositphotos.com/stock-photos/love-lake-dubai.html
Astonishing photo 158
Makeshift water pipe made of welded metal drums, Kyrgyzstan
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52358122382/
Astonishing photo 159
Set of pumps at the end of a tertiary canal, Nile delta
This ‘pump sump’ is located at the tail end of a tertiary canal and sources water from a main drain.
Each individual pump has its engine and can pump water to the canal in a rotation.
This compensates for the insufficient supply on the opposite side (canal inlet)
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/36422733094/
Credit: François Molle
Astonishing photo 160
Fish farmer transporting a saquia to a workshop, Nile Delta.
Metal saquias are still used to lift water to fishponds because of their high discharge
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/37071091566/
Astonishing photo 161
Underwater hockey
Underwater hockey (UWH), (also known as Octopush in the United Kingdom) is a globally played limited-contact sport in which two teams compete to manoeuvre a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool into the opposing team's goal by propelling it with a hockey stick (or pusher). A key challenge of the game is that players are not able to use breathing devices such as scuba gear whilst playing, they must hold their breath. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_hockey
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52536411869
Credit: Frédéric Gelot
Astonishing photo 162
Sinkhole in Puebla, Mexico
This spectacular sinkhole, which appeared in 2021, is due to groundwater overabstraction and is a symbol of Mexico's water woes
https://lasillarota.com/nacion/2022/3/22/socavon-en-puebla-simbolo-de-los-problemas-hidricos-de-mexico-dw-362599.html
Astonishing photo 163
Giant ice carousel
A round-shape chunk of frozen ice is cut and set in motion
See a carousel in motion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Xd0xn7AHs&t=62s
And other carousels https://www.google.com/search?q=ice+carousel&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi10pexldn7AhWwY6QEHfRXCgsQ_AUoAnoECAIQBA&biw=1696&bih=755&dpr=1.13
https://gregcookland.com/wonderland/2018/04/21/mainers-create-worlds-largest-so-they-say-ice-merry-go-round/;
Astonishing photo 164
Magnificent braided river, New Zealand
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braided_river
Source: https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/troubled-waters/
Astonishing photo 165
"Careos" in Spain, sowing and harvesting water
Moors in Granada Spain, developed a technique consisting in conveying and spreading water over the landscape in order to recharge aquifers and benefit from baseflow during the dry season.
This is similar to the amunas found in Peru. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nHSK6vqKIo
Source: https://theconversation.com/la-siembra-de-agua-una-tecnica-milenaria-eficaz-para-enfrentarse-a-la-sequia-191971
Astonishing photo 166
Pancuran Tujuh (Seven Springs) in Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia
The hot spring and its sulfuric waters are considered to have healing properties
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancuran_Tujuh
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51108306655/
Credit: Wikimedia/By Crisco 1492 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39220154
Astonishing photo 167
Water wheel, Red River Basin, Vietnam. Late 1990s.
This homemade water wheel is moved by the flow in the irrigation canal and lifts water up to the paddy fields.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/37666908236/
Credit: François Molle
Astonishing photo 168
Garbage accumulating at the end of a branch canal, Nile Delta, Egypt
The limited solid waste collection in the delta implies that much of it ends up in waterways
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/37088601022/
Credit: François Molle
Astonishing photo 169
Mobile pumping operators in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
The Mekong Delta is crisscrossed with waterways.
In the upper part of the delta, large poldered areas have intensified and need extra input of water. They resort to mobile private operators on boat who provide high-discharge pumping services at the point required.
Late 1990s.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/37132940061/
Credit: François Molle
Astonishing photo 170
Siphons on El Bustan canal, Nile delta, Egypt
Al Bustan Canal branches off Nubaria Canal on the western side of the Nile Delta. It irrigates so called 'new lands'.
The picture shows siphons laid by farmers to divert water to non-command areas on both sides of the canal.
Although visible to all, these siphons are illegal…
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/37262140795/
Credit: François Molle
Astonishing photo 171
Water drum festival
Miao people perform the Shuigu (water drum) Dance in the water in Jianhe county, Southwest China's Guizhou province
Folklorized version (video): People perform the Shuigu (water drum) Dance in the water in Jianhe county, Southwest China's Guizhou province, perform Shuigu Dance during a local cultural festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIcqMYb3Koc
Credit: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/2011-07/07/content_16979715_5.htm
Astonishing photo 172
Fort Worth Water Gardens, Texas, USA
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52684545576/
Credit: Bradi Korte, https://www.flickr.com/photos/branditressler/39844715001/
Astonishing photo 173
Levada nova, Madeira
The island of Madeira is known for its ancient irrigation systems.
Here the canal (covered with concrete plates) follows the contour line and is excavated in the rock.
It intersects a cascade
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52536675918/
Credit: Andrew Walker @Flickr
Astonishing photo 174
Swallowing wells, Ghardaia, Algeria
In Ghardaia oasis some 'swallowing wells' are equipped with inlets: if the flood depth in the valley is higher than 30 cm, then it will enter the inlet and recharge the well and the aquifer.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52535633802/
Credit: M Amine Saidani
Astonishing photo 175
Kiyal, Algeria
In Tittaf oasis, near Adrar, Algeria, this water master ('kiyal') is showing the instrument used to measure and apportion flows in oases, locally called 'shiqfa'.
the cumulated discharge of given sets of holes are allocated to corresponding distribution canals, according to water rights:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/38289762881/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/38234932446
Image in original resolution: https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/26514323209
Astonishing photo 176
The solar-canal solution, tested in California.
About 4,000 miles of canals transport water to some 35 million Californians and 5.7 million acres of farmland across the state. As we explained in a 2021 study, covering these canals with solar panels would reduce evaporation of precious water – one of California’s most critical resources – and help meet the state’s renewable energy goals, while also saving money
Astonishing photo 177
Water pipe made out of wood, Bolivia
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52710674591/
Credit: Pierre Chevallier
Astonishing photo 178
Restaurant on the Kibune River, near Kyoto, Japan
The Kibune River, north of Kyoto, if famous for its restaurants built on the river bed in order to enjoy a cool atmosphere.
This idea can also be found in other countries, such as Kyrgyzstan https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52359384754/
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52313915472/
Credit: Wikimedia
Astonishing photo 179
Fog collectors in the Cumbre Nueva, La Palma, Spain
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51707987193/
Credit: Credit: Wikipedia
Astonishing photo 180
Offerings for good waters, India
At the mercy of sudden dam releases, the people of the Ramganga continue to pray to the river for a suitable harvest
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51876611362/
Credit: Flickr@India water Portal
Astonishing photo 181
Priests sit inside water barrels as they perform special prayers in order to appease Varun, the Hindu rain god
in Sankara mutt at Matunga in Mumbai, India
Credit: https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/how-india-tries-to-please-the-rain-gods-pics-159173.html?picid=783083
Astonishing photo 182
Water as protection
Gravensteen, a medieval castle that dates back to 1180 which was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison,
mint, cotton factory and now a museum located in the historic city center of Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium.
Astonishing photo 183
The spring of Armentières and its protection
Half of the water supplied to Paris comes from springs.
The spring of Armentières was developed between 1861 and 1867 by the engineer Eugène Belgrand at the request of the prefect Haussmann who wanted to tap healthy and pure water for Paris.
The water takes three days to reach Paris through a 156 km long aqueduct.
https://www.leparisien.fr/paris-75/paris-livre-la-bataille-de-l-eau-au-milieu-des-champs-23-05-2016-5822273.php
Credit: https://www.eaudeparis.fr/dou-vient-leau-de-paris
Astonishing photo 184
Helical Stepwell, Maharashtra, India
Unique "Helical Stepwell" in Walur Village, Selu Taluka in Parbhani District of Maharashtra (India) with Spiral Steps from 8 Sides leading to the Well Shaft and 8 Devakoshta (Niches) above the steps.
A massive cleanliness drive was recently done by locals of Walur Village to bring this Stepwell to Glory.
Credit: Rohan Kale Ji, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2835993176546525&set=a.390759174403283
Astonishing photo 185
Piping drainage water to the desert, Egypt
Egypt is claiming to be building the “largest artificial river in the world”, a 114 km long canal-cum-pipe system conveying drainage water from Alexandria to a wastewater treatment plant located to the west of the delta.
The project is expected to cost 5 billion euros and its waters to contribute, together with groundwater, to the irrigation of around one million ha in the desert, the so-called ‘New delta” project.
Credit: https://www.elaosboa.com/789283/
Astonishing photo 186
Rendering of a planned (and contested) fish-pass, California, USA
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-05-17/newsom-touts-plan-for-60-million-fishway-along-yuba-river
Astonishing photo 187
Ma’dan (Marsh Arabs) reed houses, Iraq
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsh_Arabs
See the photo with original resolution : https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52940631319
Credit: Corbis: Nik Wheeler
Astonishing photo 188
Free-lunch at pipe leakage, Cambodia
This pipe leakage in Phnom Penh was readily used by locals as a temporary car wash.
See the photo with original resolution :https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52940484656
Credit: Sylvain Massuel
Astonishing photo 189
Old Pottery pipes, Mesopotamia
British archaeologist Leonard Woolley and his wife Katharine in front of pottery pipes that were part of what's considered the first water drainage system in history (pre 4000 bc) in the ancient Mesopotamian city of Ur. 1930.
“Katharine Woolley was an archaeologist, like her husband, and shared with him the work of excavation at Ur of the Chaldees, at Al Mina, on the North Syrian coast, and at Atchana (Alalakh), in the Hatay, until the outbreak of war. She was jointly responsible with him for the report published in 1939 on the Archaeological Survey of India. From 1943 onwards, when he was appointed archaeological adviser to the War Office, she was his assistant. In spite of illness, constant pain, and growing weakness, she carried on her work there until two days before her death, which came on November 8. Men and women of many Eastern European countries, refugees after the last war, have reason to remember her sympathy and her vitality. To none will she always be so alive as to the Arab diggers with whom she worked for 15 years." quoted from Wikipedia
Astonishing photo 190
Dye tracer test in Vieille Folle cave, France
Dye is added to water to study the underground circulation and pathways of water in karst systems.
See the photo with original resolution : www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52940952563
Credit: Aurélien Vallet
Astonishing photo 191
Creux-Billard, Karst features at Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne, France
This fascinating site includes a cascade from a stream and a karstic spring, which both feed an aven (sinkhole) where water goes underground again before reemerging further downstream as the spring of the Lison River. It is a textbook illustration of the multiple circulations between surface an groundwater.
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52940490231/
Credit: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creux_Billard
Astonishing photo 192
Washing dye out after work, India
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51877651828/
Credit: Flickr@India water Portal/Supriya Biswas
Astonishing photo 193
Samacha Kewa festival floating altars in irrigation canals, Nepal
During Samachakewa, a popular festival of Tharu people in Nepal, altars are realeased in rivers but also in irrigation canals.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sama_Chakeva
Credit: Olivia Aubriot
Astonishing photo 194
Rainwater harvesting by roofs in Bermuda
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52684826349/
Credits: Acroterion, upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Bermuda
Astonishing photo 195
Roman dam, Syria
Dating back to the 1st or 2nd century is dam is located on the road from Damascus to Palmyra
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/52710934899/
Credit: Pierre Chevallier
Astonishing photo 196
The Mitchell River silt jetties, Victoria, Australia
The Mitchell River silt jetties are an unusually long, thin landform in the Gippsland Lakes region in Victoria, Australia. A type of digitate delta, they have been formed over thousands of years by sediment deposition from the Mitchell River during periods of low water flow and subsequent wash-through during periods of high water flow. The long narrow banks of silt thus formed extend more than eight kilometres east into Lake King. The south bank is navigable by car from Eagle Point through to the very easternmost tip at Point Dawson.
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=676695734498917&set=a.409907994511027
Astonishing photo 197
Craig-Goch Dam spilling, Wales, UK
The Craig Goch Dam, often called the Top dam, is a masonry dam in the Elan Valley of Wales and creates the upper-most of the Elan Valley Reservoirs.
Construction on the dam began in 1897, and it was completed in 1904. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Goch_Dam
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/53140626498
Credit: Public Domain (Pxfuel)
Astonishing photo 198
Guelta of Timia, Niger
A guelta (Arabic: قلتة, also transliterated qalta or galta; Berber: agelmam) is a pocket of water that forms in drainage canals or wadis in the Sahara. The size and duration will depend on the location and conditions. It may last year-round through the dry season if fed by a source such as a spring. When a river (wadi) dries up, there may be pockets of water remaining along its course (c.f. oxbow lake).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guelta
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/water_alternatives/51708596700/
Credit: Wikipedia
Astonishing photo 199
Water Mill in Balkh System, Afghanistan
This ‘battery’ of hydraulic mills is reminiscent of another famous milling complex from Roman times: the Barbegal milling complex (‘la plus grande meunerie de l’antiquité’), near Arles, France, with two sets of 8 vertical mills.
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqueduc_et_moulins_de_Barbegal#/media/Fichier:Model_of_the_Barbegal_mill,_Mus%C3%A9e_de_l'Arles_antique_(15022060149).jpg
.jpg){kind=link}
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbegal_aqueduct_and_mills; http://www.pascalblachier.com/2017/03/aqueduc-romain-de-barbegal.html
https://www.departement13.fr/nous-decouvrir/la-petite-histoire-du-departement/un-site-industriel-dans-lantiquite-romaine-les-moulins-de-barbegal/
Credit: Source lost
Astonishing photo 200
Cenote Ik Kil in Yucatan, Mexico
A cenote is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater. The term originated on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, where cenotes were commonly used for water supplies by the ancient Maya, and occasionally for sacrificial offerings. The term derives from a word used by the lowland Yucatec Maya—tsʼonoʼot—to refer to any location with accessible groundwater. More on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenote
More fascinating cenotes in Yucatan: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sca_esv=559959589&q=cenote&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjOsoG__feAAxWKdqQEHTgsDf0Q0pQJegQICBAB&biw=1920&bih=937&dpr=1
See the photo with original resolution https://www.flickr.com/photos/gameoflight/8682569574
Credit: Boris G @Flickr