The Jet d’Eau as one of the largest fountains of the world contains five-hundred liters or 132 gallons of water. And this water is being jetted into the air per second to an altitude of 140 meters or 459 feet by two 500 kW pumps, operating at 2,400 volts. Over one megawatt of electricity is being consumed as water is being jetted to the air.
Water Fountains
- Trevi Water Fountain
- The Swann Memorial Fountain
- Buckingham Water Fountain
- Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
- Peterhof Water Gardens
- Villa d'Este Water Fountain
- The German Fountain
- Jet d'Eau Water Fountain
- Trafalgar Square Water Fountain
- Fountain of Wealth
- Tyler Davidson Fountain
- Triton Water Fountain
- Fountain of Nations
- Flora Water Fountain
- Bellagio Water Fountain
Jet d'Eau Water Fountain
The Jet d'Eau is also known as the water-jet. It is located in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a large water fountain and is one of the city's most famous landmarks. It has been featured on the city's official tourism web site and on the official logo for Geneva's hosting of the 2008 UEFA Championships. One of the largest outdoor fountains in the world, it is situated at the point where Lake Geneva empties into the Rhone River. The Jet d'Eau can be seen from throughout the city from the air. It is even visible even when flying at an altitude of 10 kilometers.
The water jet is an unending delight as the water leaves the nozzle at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour. At any given moment, when the water fountain is in operation, there are about 7,000 liters or 1849 gallons of water being jetted in the air. It can be quite fun when unsuspecting visitors to the fountain may be surprised to find themselves drenched after a slight change in wind direction. The Jet d’Eau can be reached via a stone jetty from the left bank of the Lake Geneva.
The first Jet d'Eau was installed in 1886 at the Usine de la Coulouvrenièr. It was installed a little bit further downstream from its present location. The first Jet d’Eau was used as a safety valve for a hydro power generator and could reach a height of about 30 meters or 98 feet. Then in 1891, the aesthetic value of the fountain was recognized and it was moved to its present location to celebrate the Federal Gymnastics Festival and the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. This was the launching of the Jet d’Eau to the world and it was illuminated for the first time. The fountain can reach the maximum height of about 90 meters or 295 feet. It was in 1951 when the present Jet d'Eau was installed. It was partially submerged in a pumping station to pump lake water instead of city water. From then on since 2003, the fountain has operated during the day all year round, except in case of frost and particularly strong wind. In the evening between spring and autumn and when it is lit by a set of 12 lights totaling 108 kilowatts, it is also in operation delighting the many visitors of the Jet d’Eau.