Pompeii's public baths experienced improved hygiene following a switch in water sources, according to a new paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study analyzed calcium carbonate deposits from the city's preserved aqueduct, water towers, and bath structures to understand the evolution of its water supply system.

Prior research indicated that Pompeii, founded in the sixth century BCE, initially depended on rainwater collected in cisterns and wells. These early public baths employed weight-lifting machinery to draw water from wells as deep as 40 meters. The construction of an aqueduct between 27 BCE and 14 CE marked a significant advancement in the city's water infrastructure.

The research highlights a critical period of Roman engineering. Aqueducts, like the one serving Pompeii, were vital to the growth and sanitation of urban centers across the Roman Empire, from Britannia to North Africa. These structures allowed for a more consistent and cleaner water supply compared to relying solely on local wells and rainwater, a common challenge faced by ancient cities globally.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, an event that released energy equivalent to 100,000 times the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, preserved Pompeii's infrastructure, including its water systems, offering a unique opportunity for study. The analysis of mineral deposits provides insights into the quality and source of water used at different periods in the city's history. Further research is planned to compare the water quality in Pompeii with that of other Roman cities, offering a broader understanding of public health and sanitation practices in the ancient world.