City of fountains

If the region has something almost in profusion, then it’s water. There are plenty of springs in the surrounding mountains, and far-sighted local planning has enabled man to make use of the water they contain as a source of energy or for the supply of drinking water. The springs, of course, have been here since time immemorial. Although they now serve as embellishments enhancing the appearance of the towns and villages, they once had an important economic and social function. Very few houses were connected to a water supply. So people fetched the precious water they needed for cooking and washing from the nearby spring, or well. This explains why each spring also had a small basin for washing potatoes, etc. The larger troughs were used to water cows and cattle. People entitled to use the wells established special ‘spring communities’ and made sure they were kept clean and in good working order. Of course, the drinking water that gushes out of them today comes straight from the spring! The tourist board also offers guided walks to the historic fountains of Imst.