Greatest, However, is Water

Second to Oxygen, water is of utmost importance for our survival. A grown human individual in moderate climate is in need of approximately 3 litres of water per day.

Thus clean and uncontaminated water is extremely precious for mankind. In the industrialized nations we are in a lucky position to have no limitations on drinkable water, at least we do only very rarely feel such a limitation. Under these circumstances a strong tendency to waste water has developed.

This waste – as any waste of natural resources – is an extreme threat to our future and the future of any life on Earth. Thus it is important to highly esteem clean and clear water. We should pass on this esteem to the next generations and we should learn to use water in a responsible way.

The building shown in the panorama is called the “Freiburger Wasserschlössle” – “Little Water Castle of Freiburg”. Despite its name, this building is not a real castle: It is simply built around a water tank which holds 3800 cubic meters. It is located on a hillside, some 30 meters above the City-centre, so it can provide the pressure to deliver drinking-water to the households of Freiburg.

The "Wasserschlössle" was built 1895-1896. The City of Freiburg decided to decorate it with an ornate facade to express its high esteem for drinking-water.

In 2001 an additional tank was built 600 meters away from the Wasserschlössle and 42 meters higher to meet the needs of a growing city.

The title “Greatest however is water“ – “Ariston men hydor” derives from Pindar, an ancient Greek poet (522–443 BC).

Europe / Germany

Lat: 47° 59' 0.98" N
Long: 7° 51' 36.15" E

Elevation: 312

→ maps.google.com [EXT]

Precision is: Unknown / Undeclared.

Canon EOS 5D MKII, Canon 15mm, Nodal Ninja R1, DXO, PTGui Pro, Photoshop