Drought conditions or torrential rain affecting water supply always make headlines. Yet there is much more to the story of water. Our Victorian ancestors built an impressive network of pumping stations, water mains, reservoirs and sewerage pipes, much of which is still in use today, to improve sanitation and provide clean drinking water for all. Earlier generations cut drains to reclaim agricultural land, and built canals, weirs and locks to improve navigation. In the twentieth century, scientists and engineers worked to predict floods and construct flood defences. 

This exhibition focused in particular on the city of Nottingham, and the work of the various authorities and public bodies charged with providing reliable water supply, sewerage and water treatment, and flood prevention schemes. It drew on original archives and photographs held by the University’s department of Manuscripts and Special Collections.