Discover the Artefact Collection at the C.I.EAU

With more than 400 pieces from various eras, the C.I.EAU collection recounts the evolution of water treatment technologies in a unique and exceptional way. Since the arrival of computers in the 1980s, many objects, machines, equipment and other tools have been quietly replaced as water treatment plants have been upgraded. The team at the C.I.EAU has taken care to preserve outstanding examples from these eras while welcoming new generation pieces or prototypes of future technologies.

Get up close and personal with the reality of the water world through our artifacts that witness the evolution of the supply and treatment of this resource. See the objects used for water treatment. Discover the machinery and all the historical elements that contributed to the establishment of our current drinking water systems.

The entire collection is not included in our permanent exhibit.
Take a look at our various archived collections available in the following categories:

Water Pipes

Like urban rivers, pipes crisscross the streets, roads and boulevards of cities: each street is like a small stream. In order to make the water flow through all these urban layouts, engineers have developed an impressive variety of pipes with unique shapes, materials, functions and specialties. Click here to discover them!

Control the flow

Several parts are used to control the flow of water or other liquids. For example, valves allow the opening or closing of a water intake. In the distribution network where the water pressure is constant, the network must be equipped with devices that allow the precise control of water inlets and outlets. Click here to discover them!

Water
accessibility

In Canada, water is often taken for granted, but the situation is very different in many international communities. Where a long walk is required to reach the nearest water source, water must be transported using containers. This category is dedicated to the objects related to the collection of fresh water, wells and and those to monitor water consumption, such as water meters. Click here to discover them!

Workers' artifacts

Water professions are very diverse: civil engineers, hydraulic engineers, electricians, chemists, mechanics, technicians... This category of artifacts is dedicated to the daily life of water plants: some work tools and controls seen here are used directly by plant workers. Click here to discover them!

Remembrance and Commemoration

Extraordinary facts, memorabilia and historical milestones... this collection is dedicated to the memory and history of the water industry. These artifacts have a story to tell. Click here to discover them!

Firefighters

It is often forgotten, but fire management is directly linked to water management. For example, colour-coded red-bodied fire hydrants are connected directly to the drinking water distribution system. Click here to discover them!

Raw Water

Raw water collected from different bodies of water varies according to several environmental factors, such as the seasonal cycle or the acidity of the water. Many parameters are measured when raw water enters the urban water system and these parameters must be monitored throughout the drinking water production and distribution process. Click to discover the numerous instruments for raw water parameters calculation.

Molecular
analysis

Fluorine, chlorine, and ozone are three gases that are highly dangerous when not properly controlled. The water treatment industry has been using these gases in a controlled manner for many years, and the health benefits are significant. Chlorine eliminates microorganisms in water such as viruses and bacteria. It is injected with very precise dosages to ensure safety. Ozone plays an equivalent role, but because it is unstable with a lifespan of less than one hour, it must be produced on-site with significant energy costs.

Water flow
and pressure

Water flow and pressure are essential parameters for the urban water network. In plants, they provide information on the quantities of water produced, ensure the safety of the installations and their sustainability over time. This category is dedicated to devices which measure water level, pressure and flow. Click here to discover them!

Do you own a water-related object that might be of interest to the C.I.EAU?

Donate it and it can become part of our collection.

Contact us now to discuss.