Here is some fun facts about Geneva’s most famous and most recognized landmark, the Jet d’Eau, aka The Spritzer, which is celebreating its 120 year anniversary this fall…
The first Jet d'Eau (or fountain) was installed in 1886, further downstream from its present location, as a safety valve for a hydraulic power network. At the time, it could reach a height of about 30 meters (100 feet). In 1891, its aesthetic value was recognized and it was moved to its present location to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. To pump lake water instead of city water, it was decided in 1951 to install the Jet d'Eau in a partially submerged pumping station.
Today, five hundred liters (132 gallons) of water per second are jetted to an altitude of 140 meters (460 feet!!) by two pumps. The water leaves the nozzle at a speed of 200 km/h (125mph) and when it is in operation there are about 7,000 liters (1,850 gallons) of water in the air.
To celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Jet d’Eau and further educate people on the virtues of tap water, the SIG (local electricity company and owner of the Jet d’Eau) is organizing a number of activities from the 15th to the 18th of September at the foot of the Jet d’Eau.
An exhibition presenting the history, the technology and the beauty secrets of the Jet d’Eau will be open to the public and tours departing from the pier will be organized to explain how the Jet d’Eau works.
SIG will also take this opportunity to further promote the use of tap water as a way to contribute to good health and preserve the environment. A large tent ‘Eau de Genève’ will be installed near the Jet d’Eau to offer lots of interactive workshops and activities for the whole family. Participants may win one of the many prizes offered, including a unique opportunity to turn the Jet d’Eau on!!
(this picture is fun... people on the Jet d'Eau catwalk running from the falling water...)
If any of you would like to see the jet and participate on the festivities, all you need to do it get a last minute ticket and come visit us.
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