Artesian well of la Butte-aux-Cailles, Public drinking fountain in la Butte-aux-Cailles, Paris, France.
The artesian well of la Butte-aux-Cailles sits on Place Paul Verlaine and draws from an underground aquifer located roughly 600 meters beneath Paris. Natural pressure pushes water upward continuously without requiring pumps to function.
Construction finished in 1904 after overcoming geological challenges during drilling. The water later supplied a nearby swimming pool that opened in 1924.
The fountain carries a name rooted in the Artois region, honoring where medieval monks discovered natural water pressure principles. This heritage shapes how locals view their city's water sources today.
Water flows from the fountain at roughly 28°C (82°F) and is safe for daily drinking. It contains moderate levels of iron and fluorine with low calcium content.
The water comes from an ancient underground layer called the Albien aquifer that is roughly 20,000 years old. This deep water reserve is a rarity that Paris can only tap in a few locations.
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