Naples Water Network: Bourbon System and Well-Keepers

Naples’ water network relied on specialized keepers who navigated cisterns, cleaned deposits, and ensured distribution.

Duties

• Inspect shafts; clear obstructions.
• Clean sediment; maintain water quality.
• Repair channels and supports.

Tools of the Trade

• Ropes, buckets, and lanterns for access and visibility.
• Scrapers and brushes for sediment removal.
• Simple measurement tools for water levels.

Respect: These craftspeople were essential city workers — often invisible, always vital.

Legacy

• Many routes modernized, but the craft remains part of Naples’ urban memory.

Bottom Line

The underground is human-made and human-maintained — remember the people in the story.