Politics of water — Story of water
With the domestication of water, along with the benefits came a few complications. In more minor scales the water systems worked quite well in a decentralised manner, but as the scale grows so does the governance, and centralization. The larger the scale of the resource, the more people get involved and their needs. The previous body of water to serve for day-to-day requirements now becomes the source for irrigation, industrial and many more projects. Even though the idea of looking at water through the lens of power is refuted, it becomes quite important whoever controls this resource controls a lot more. This becomes even more apparent in arid landscapes.
There is a close relationship between social relations and governance. This public message can be seen through the architecture of public water basin called lacus, used by citizens to gather water for domestic use used in Rome. At the time of King Agustus, the number of lacus grew from 91 to 600. Lucus were often magnificent, ornate fountains that are still associated with Rome. The impressive public pieces were intended as a political statement to remind the people they received water from due the king. Five hundred additional water fountains were not required as previously the locals relied on decentralised wells and springs which proved sufficient water. The kind recognised this water structure getting rid of these public wells and leading to the fountains being the only way to obtain water. By making this conspicuous and lavishly decorated, the emperor shifted the perception of water as a public and free undertaking, self-managed by the people to be a personal possession of the Emperor made available through his generosity.
