Channels and Reservoir

The open channel in the center of the picture leads to the two large reservoirs in the center of Shivta.  It feeds into the reservoir just above the center of the picture.  Channels such as this brought water from the roofs of buildings, squares, and streets to reservoirs and cisterns.

On the left side of the image is another channel, covered, that feeds a cistern under the Southern Church.

The huge twin reservoirs are located in the center of Shivta—just west of the central Church.  They could hold a total of 409,500 gallons.  Inscribed pottery sherds indicate that families rotated in the duties of keeping them clean.