World Sanitation Day
Today, 19 November, is World Sanitation Day, and in the city of Porto, we celebrate more than 120 years of the first sanitation network, which remains partially active.
The idea for the sanitation network began in the 1890s, driven by the hygiene movement led by Ricardo Jorge, head of the Porto Hygiene Department. In 1897, a tender was launched for the construction of the network, and in 1903, a contract was signed with the London-based company Hughes & Lancaster. Work began in April 1904 with the installation of the first stoneware pipes, and the ‘first English phase’ of the work was completed in 1907. During this period, the Shöne Ejectors were built along the waterfront and the Sobreiras Power Station, which supplied energy through steam compressors and an electric motor.
The separate sewerage network, completed in 1907, was the first of its kind in Portugal and represented a significant milestone for the city, contributing to the advancement of public health conditions. Over the years, the network has been expanded and modernised, but the historical landmarks of its construction continue to bear witness to the innovation and development of the city.
Currently, the ejectors remain active, although adapted. The example that preserves its original form is the Ejetor do Ouro, as well as the Sobreiras Plant, whose building preserves its original layout, although it now only functions as a support for the Sobreiras WWTP.
To learn more about the history of sanitation in Porto, click here.
The idea for the sanitation network began in the 1890s, driven by the hygiene movement led by Ricardo Jorge, head of the Porto Hygiene Department. In 1897, a tender was launched for the construction of the network, and in 1903, a contract was signed with the London-based company Hughes & Lancaster. Work began in April 1904 with the installation of the first stoneware pipes, and the ‘first English phase’ of the work was completed in 1907. During this period, the Shöne Ejectors were built along the waterfront and the Sobreiras Power Station, which supplied energy through steam compressors and an electric motor.
The separate sewerage network, completed in 1907, was the first of its kind in Portugal and represented a significant milestone for the city, contributing to the advancement of public health conditions. Over the years, the network has been expanded and modernised, but the historical landmarks of its construction continue to bear witness to the innovation and development of the city.
Currently, the ejectors remain active, although adapted. The example that preserves its original form is the Ejetor do Ouro, as well as the Sobreiras Plant, whose building preserves its original layout, although it now only functions as a support for the Sobreiras WWTP.
To learn more about the history of sanitation in Porto, click here.
