- The Montsouris Reservoir: A Historical Overview
- The Modern Montsouris Reservoir: Management and Impact
- Transfer from CDG airport to Montsouris Reservoir in Paris
The Montsouris Reservoir: A Historical Overview
The Montsouris reservoir, situated in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, stands as a monumental achievement in the city’s infrastructure, inaugurated in 1873. This vital reservoir, known affectionately as the tank valve, forms a crucial part of Paris’s water supply system, especially designed to serve the southern parts of the city. Entrusted to the management of Eau de Paris since 2010, the reservoir’s origins trace back to the engineering prowess of Eugène Belgrand. Construction spanned from 1868 to 1873, marking a significant period where Paris sought to modernize and secure its water supply away from the increasingly polluted Seine River. This transition was propelled by the urgent need to address the water’s diminishing quality due to industrial and urban effluents, as well as the stark seasonal variations in the river’s temperature.
Located near Parc Montsouris, on an elevated terrain that offered strategic advantages, the Montsouris reservoir was initially tasked with purifying water from the Champs-Elysées in 1875. Its construction over ancient quarries presented an engineering challenge, leading to the innovative use of nearly 1,800 concrete pillars to support the immense weight of 300,000 m² of water and five cast iron domes. At its inception, it was among the largest underground water reservoirs globally, a testament to Paris’s ambition and architectural ingenuity. The reservoir’s design, featuring two levels of storage with varying depths and capacities, ensured optimal water temperature maintenance and an impressive storage capacity that significantly bolstered the city’s water supply system.
The Modern Montsouris Reservoir: Management and Impact
The Montsouris reservoir today continues to play a pivotal role in Paris’s water management strategy, drawing water from diverse sources such as the Vanne in the Fontainebleau area, Seine-et-Marne, and Cachan to the south of Paris. Water is conveyed through the aqueducts of Vanne, Loing, and Arcueil, maintaining its quality and temperature through an innovative overlay system. The infrastructure, boasting dimensions of 265 m in length and 135 m in width, has a formidable capacity of 202,000 m³ as of 2010. This capacity represents about a third of the daily water consumption of Parisians, supplying 20% of the population with potable water.
Despite the operational challenges and economic considerations, Eau de Paris, the current managing entity, has maintained the dual reservoir system since 2010 without veering towards more cost-effective but environmentally taxing alternatives. Mathieu Souqière, director of strategy and institutional relations within Eau de Paris, highlighted the economic versus environmental dilemma, stating that reverting to river water treatment would be more expensive than the existing system. This decision underscores a strategic pivot towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, reflecting a broader commitment to combating global warming while ensuring the city’s resilience in water supply management. The Montsouris reservoir, thus, not only symbolizes a critical component of Paris’s historical infrastructure but also a forward-looking approach to urban water management in the face of changing global conditions.
Transfer from CDG airport to Montsouris Reservoir in Paris
Traveling from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Paris? Opt for the efficient shuttle service. Whether you’re heading to your hotel or the Montsouris Reservoir, located just 34 km from CDG, the shuttle offers a direct, hassle-free connection. This cost-effective option contrasts with the variable pricing of taxis and the complexity of public transport, especially when handling luggage. The shuttle not only accommodates luggage comfortably but also provides a convivial environment to connect with fellow travelers.
Endorsed for its reliability, the shuttle service simplifies your arrival by avoiding the unpredictability of taxis and the physical demands of the metro or RER. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a stress-free start to their Paris visit, directly linking major points like CDG and Orly airports to central Paris.