“Where does this water come from?” That’s a question many have asked standing near the Traverse du Canal. The Traverse du Canal in Marseille is more than just a street. It marks the path of a vital waterway. This canal has quenched the thirst of Marseille for generations.
Imagine Marseille in the early 19th century. The city faced severe water shortages. Cholera epidemics ravaged the population. The existing water sources were inadequate. Maximin-Dominica Consolat the mayor at the time decided enough was enough. A solution was needed no matter the cost.
The answer lay in the Durance River. It was far from Marseille and separated by mountains. Engineer Franz Mayor de Montricher devised a plan. Capture water high up in the Durance. Then gravity would feed it to Marseille. The water would arrive at the city’s highest point Saint-Antoine. This would allow it to serve the whole city.
Construction of the Canal de Marseille began in 1839. It was a massive undertaking. It took 15 years to complete. The main artery stretches 80 kilometers. An additional 160 kilometers of minor arteries were added. The canal included bridges and tunnels. These crossed challenging terrain.
One major challenge was the Arc valley. Montricher rejected a bridge trap proposal. He chose to build an aqueduct. This was at the valley’s narrowest point. The Roquefavour Aqueduct was inspired by the Roman Pont du Gard.
Water finally flowed through the canal in 1849. It was a momentous occasion for Marseille. Between 1854 and 1869 pipes tanks and basins were constructed. This allowed water access throughout Marseille. Neighboring areas also benefited.
Before the canal citizens had very little water. In 1876 they had over 30 times more. This boosted domestic use and industrial activities. The Canal de Marseille was a game-changer.
The canal’s initial intake was at the Pertuis Bridge. Today water enters at a hydroelectric station. The canal passes through tunnels and over bridges. It feeds into reservoirs like the Réaltor. This clarifies the Durance’s silt-laden water.
Today the Canal de Marseille isn’t the only source. The Canal de Provence also supplies water. Both sources are connected and treated. The water undergoes pre-chlorination clarification sand filtration and disinfection.
The city of Marseille operated the canal until 1941. After a fire the operation was entrusted to SEEM. They are owned by Veolia Environnement and Lyonnais des eaux.
The canal also irrigates fields boosting gardening. Aygadiers control the irrigation ditches. They maintain the canal. The focus is now on drinking water. The city provides pressurised water instead of renewing irrigation rights.
Searchers of leaks use geophones to find leaks. This helps maintain the canal’s efficiency. Within Marseille the canal is being closed up for safety. Fences lifelines and warning signs are being added.
The Canal de Marseille passes through picturesque regions. It offers bicycle and walking paths. Notable sites include the Roquefavour Aqueduct and the Palais Longchamp.
Marcel Pagnol mentioned the canal in his memoirs. He wrote about using a key to enter it through private property. The truth of this claim is debated.
As you stand here on Traverse du Canal remember its history. The Canal de Marseille transformed the city. It brought life and prosperity to a water-scarce region. It continues to serve Marseille today.