Did you know the ancient Maya civilization, which thrived between 250 and 900 AD, were absolute geniuses when it came to managing water? Living in the often dry Maya lowlands, they created amazing systems to make sure their cities never ran out of water.

They built super-smart reservoirs, lining them with clay or plaster to stop leaks, so they could capture every drop of rain during the wet season. These reservoirs ensured they had plenty of water during the dry spells. But that’s not all! The Maya also constructed stone and stucco aqueducts to transport water from faraway sources right into their bustling cities. This shows just how advanced they were in hydraulics and engineering.

These clever water systems didn’t just keep everyone hydrated; they also supported farming, leading to more food and bigger, thriving cities. The Maya even integrated terraced fields and canals into their urban designs to control water flow and prevent erosion, showing off their top-notch sustainable planning skills. Their innovative approaches still inspire today's water conservation and urban planning techniques.