The diagrams illustrate how water is transported from a reservoir to a city using two different systems: the Roman aqueduct and the modern syphon system.
Overall, both systems serve the same purpose — delivering water from a reservoir to urban areas — but the modern system involves an additional treatment step and a different method of transporting water over terrain.
In the Roman aqueduct system, water from the reservoir is first collected at the intake point and then flows through a conduit. The aqueduct bridge allows the water to maintain a steady downward flow over uneven land, ensuring it reaches the city using gravity alone. Eventually, the water is delivered directly to the city and flows into the sea.
In contrast, the modern syphon system includes several updates. After passing through the intake and conduit, water travels through a syphon, which allows it to move upward and downward without the need for a continuous downward slope. Before reaching the city, the water is processed at a treatment plant, which ensures it is clean and safe for consumption. Like the ancient system, the water eventually flows out to the sea.
To summarise, while the Roman system relies purely on gravity and a linear downward route, the modern syphon design uses pressure and includes a purification stage, making it more efficient and hygienic for contemporary needs.