Manhattan Artesian Wells refers to a system of underground wells located in the borough of Manhattan, New York City. Artesian wells are wells in which water naturally rises to the surface due to the pressure created within an aquifer. These wells are different from regular wells which require the use of pumps to extract water.
In the case of Manhattan Artesian Wells, the water source is the Manhattan Schist, a type of bedrock found beneath the island. The bedrock is porous, allowing water to seep into it and become trapped within interconnected fractures and fissures. Over time, the water gets pressurized within the aquifer, causing it to rise to the surface through drilled wells.
These wells were highly significant for the development and growth of Manhattan during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They provided a reliable and natural water source for drinking, industrial purposes, and fire-fighting, addressing the city's water supply needs before the establishment of comprehensive water distribution systems. The availability of clean and abundant water through the Manhattan Artesian Wells contributed to the population growth and spurred economic development in the region.
However, as the city grew, the demand for water increased exponentially, and the Manhattan Artesian Wells became insufficient to meet the needs of a burgeoning population. Consequently, the city transitioned to a more sophisticated water supply system, including the construction of reservoirs, dams, and pipelines that draw water from distant sources such as the Catskill Mountains.
Today, while the Manhattan Artesian Wells have lost their primary function as a water supply, some of them can still be found, acting as a historical reminder of Manhattan's water infrastructure and the early importance of artesian wells in sustaining urban development.
