Water is the lifeblood of your Roman city. This guide covers everything from basic irrigation to complex multi-level water systems.
1. Understanding Water Physics
Water Flow Mechanics
Water in Nova Roma follows realistic physics. It flows from high to low elevation, fills depressions to form pools, and can be channeled through aqueducts. Understanding these principles is essential for effective water management.
Pressure and Height
Water pressure depends on height difference between source and destination. Greater height differences allow water to travel further and with more force. Use terrain elevation to your advantage.
Soil Fertility Impact
Water affects soil fertility. Irrigated land becomes more productive over time. However, over-irrigation can lead to waterlogging. Balance water distribution across your farmland.
2. Water Sources
Rivers
Rivers provide constant water flow and are ideal for large-scale irrigation. Build intake structures to channel river water into aqueducts. River placement varies by map seed.
Lakes
Lakes serve as natural reservoirs. They fill during rain and provide water during dry periods. Build near lakes for reliable water access, but beware of flooding.
Rain and Weather
Seasonal rain replenishes water sources and directly irrigates exposed farmland. Heavy storms can cause flooding. Plan drainage systems for low-lying areas.
3. Infrastructure
AAqueducts
How to Build
Aqueducts carry water from sources to destinations. Start at a water source, then extend the aqueduct along a downward slope. The aqueduct must maintain continuous downward flow.
Height Requirements
Aqueducts need a minimum slope to function. Use terrain naturally where possible. For flat terrain, build elevated aqueducts using arches. This increases cost but allows flexible routing.
Common Mistakes
Avoid building aqueducts uphill - water won't flow. Don't forget that bridges over valleys need support pillars. Check for gaps in your aqueduct line that would interrupt water flow.
DDams
When to Use Dams
Dams block water flow to create reservoirs or redirect rivers. Use them to store water for dry seasons, protect low areas from flooding, or divert water to irrigation channels.
Flood Control
Strategic dam placement prevents destructive floods. Build dams upstream of your city to catch excess rainwater. Include spillways to safely release overflow.
Creating Reservoirs
Dams across valleys create artificial lakes. These reservoirs store water during wet seasons for use in dry periods. Larger reservoirs provide more buffer but require bigger dams.
RReservoirs
Planning Placement
Place reservoirs at elevations above your farmland. This allows gravity-fed irrigation without pumping. Natural depressions in terrain make efficient reservoir locations.
Capacity Management
Monitor reservoir levels throughout seasons. Low levels indicate insufficient supply; overflow indicates wasted water. Build multiple reservoirs for redundancy.
Mountain Reservoirs
High-altitude reservoirs provide maximum pressure for long-distance water transport. Channel snowmelt and rain into mountain reservoirs for year-round supply.
4. Irrigation
Connecting to Farms
Build irrigation channels from aqueducts or reservoirs to farmland. Channels should run along farm edges for even distribution. Multiple channels serve larger farm complexes.
Optimal Coverage
Each irrigation point covers a limited area. Plan channel layout to minimize overlap and maximize coverage. Grid patterns work well for large agricultural areas.
Efficiency Tips
Shorter channels lose less water to evaporation. Group farms near water sources. Use terracing on slopes to prevent water runoff.
5. Troubleshooting
Fixing Broken Aqueducts
Aqueducts can break from age or disaster. Identify broken sections by following the water flow. Repair or rebuild damaged segments promptly to restore water supply.
Dealing with Floods
If flooding occurs, build emergency drainage channels to direct water away from buildings. Long-term, construct levees and improve dam capacity. Relocate vulnerable buildings to higher ground.
Drought Management
During droughts, prioritize water for essential crops. Wells can supplement surface water. Maintain reservoir levels by reducing irrigation to non-essential areas.
6. Advanced Tips
Multi-Level Water Systems
Complex cities benefit from tiered water systems. High reservoirs feed mid-level distribution points, which then supply local irrigation. This provides redundancy and flexibility.
Using Terrain to Your Advantage
Study your map's elevation before building. Natural slopes guide water flow. Valleys make natural reservoir sites. Ridges can serve as natural dam foundations.