Hydraulic Opulence: Artesian Wells and bathing in Mexico, 1850–1900

Abstract Before 1850 Mexico City’s scarce water resources were produced by a handful of nearby springs channeled through centuries-old city infrastructures to limited number taps in large houses and public fountains that served the majority population. In second half nineteenth century, artesian wells tapping Valley Mexico’s aquifers enabled landowners businessmen produce copious amounts almost anywhere with little effort. Private access groundwater supplied newly built bathhouses propelled changes to, rapid expansion of, social practices bathing swimming. This infrastructure, expanded supply, new gave shape widely shared historically durable assumption there are no limits supply – what I call hydraulic opulence. After 1900 opulence fueled soaring demand continuous efforts state expand infrastructure supply.