Leonardo da Vinci said, “Water is the driver of Nature.” It’s certainly been the driver of invention, and our well-pumping ancestors wouldn’t believe the clean water technology we have available to us today. No doubt they’d be impressed by the filtration techniques, fancy chrome design, and even ionizing powers of our water fixtures nowadays.

Check out this timeline showcasing the evolution of water faucets, and perhaps you’ll gain a bit more gratitude for that underappreciated appliance atop your sink.

2000 BC

The Romans developed pipes made of cement, making the irrigation of water much cleaner and more efficient.

1700 BC

The Minoan Palace of Knossos on the Isle of Crete installed drainage systems and pipes that provided water for faucets.…