Ilustration and irrigation: The Jarama royal channel in the 18 century

Abstract

The Jarama Royal Channel was one of the first hydraulic developments in the 18 century, and thus, an exponent of the problems posed and the efforts made in order to improve Madrid's water supply. Proyected in the 16 century, stasted to be built in 17 century, was not finished until 1740. Nevertheless in the was only used for a short time due to the fact that it was soon affected by leaking and lanslide problems, which hindered its normal working process till well in the 20 century. The issues studied ar building problems, the main protagonists as well as the rules of irrigation, clear precedents of later publics works of great significance for our country.