The lagoon city began as a locality of fisherfolk in the fifth century AD. It seems safe to assume the fisherfolk created the system of storing rainwater. As the city acquired eminence and power, it only invested more time and money in maintaining this system. Until now, that is. Town planning of yore can still be seen in glimpses. All roofs remain tiled.

Venice isn t just canals and aristocrats. anupam mishra gets off a gondola and stumbles into well workmanship and rainwater use

It isn't that the rich and the wealthy got their water from elsewhere. They invested more than others in design as well as beautification. From the seventh century AD, the city was ruled by dukes (doge). One of the most photographed locations is the Doge Palace. But the tourists taking pictures of the palace don't stop to notice that the pavement on which they stand (right) is part of an elaborate water storage system that supported the pomp and glory of the palace. The tourism brochures don't tell.

Water: Resource Augmenation, Management & Policies

Water Board

Australia responds to water scarcity

Kandikere s village body manages scarce water