Paris is known for its beautiful architecture, exquisite cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. However, the city was not always as glamorous as it is now.
In fact, Paris was once infamous for its poor sanitation and lack of proper sewage disposal system. The streets were dirty and smelly, which made it a breeding ground for diseases.
It was not until the mid-19th century that Paris got its first modern sewage system. Before that, the city relied on cesspools and open-air gutters to dispose of waste. This primitive system proved to be ineffective and hazardous to public health.
In 1850, Napoleon III appointed Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann as Prefect of the Seine to oversee the rebuilding of Paris. Haussmann envisioned a grand plan to transform Paris into a modern city with wide boulevards, parks, and efficient infrastructure. One of his top priorities was to improve sanitation in the city.
Under Haussmann’s supervision, work began on a comprehensive sewer network that would cover the entire city. The project involved digging tunnels under the streets to connect all buildings to a central sewage system. Engineers used groundbreaking techniques such as reinforced concrete and steam-powered pumps to build this massive network.
The construction of Paris’ sewer system took over 15 years to complete and cost over 600 million francs. The result was an underground labyrinth of pipes that stretched over 1,300 kilometers in length.
Haussmann’s vision transformed Paris from a dirty and unhealthy city into one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The new sewage system not only improved public health but also allowed for better urban planning and development.
In conclusion, Paris got its first modern sewage system in the mid-19th century under the supervision of Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann. This project transformed Paris into a modern city with efficient infrastructure and improved public health conditions. Today, visitors can explore this engineering marvel by taking a tour of the Parisian sewers.