Jet d'Eau in Geneva
N 46° 12.280 E 006° 09.144
32T E 280321 N 5120729
This giant fountain gushing from the south end of lake Geneva is the symbol of the city of Geneva.
Waymark Code: WMPPX
Location: Genève, Switzerland
Date Posted: 09/06/2006
Views: 95
This waymark indicates a position along the shore in the city of Geneva from which the water jet can be safely admired.
The Jet d'Eau, is one of the largest fountains in the world. Situated at the point where Lake Geneva empties into the Rhone River, it is visible from many points in the city.
Five-hundred litres of water per second are jetted to an altitude of 140 metres by two groups of pumps, operating on 2,400-V electricity with a total power of 1,000 kW. The water leaves the nozzle at a speed of 200 km/h. When it is in operation, at any given moment there are about 2,000 litres of water in the air.
The first Jet d'Eau was installed in 1886 a little bit further downstream from its present location. It was used as a safety valve for a hydro power generator and could reach a height of about 30 metres. In 1891, its aesthetic value was recognised and it was moved to its present location to celebrate the Federal Gymnastics Festival and the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation, on which occasion it was illuminated for the first time. Its maximum height was about 90 metres. The present Jet d'Eau was installed in 1951.
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