Waters, Fountains and Water Sellers: A reflection on the water supply of Nossa Senhora do Desterro in the 19th century

Abstract

In the debate of the historian with his time the environmental theme becomes more and more present, and, within this, the theme related to water, its uses in different times and in different societies, it is certainly a very relevant topic. In this way, this text proposes a prospective analysis of the water supply of the city of Nossa Senhora do Desterro (present Florianópolis) in the 19th century, with emphasis on the material and cultural aspects of the relations established between the habitants of the city and its waters. As sources are used official documents, such as reports of the President of the Province, minutes and official communication of Florianópolis City Hall, as well as the Code of Municipal Postures, in order to understand how the public power, through laws, regulations and decrees, sought to regulate use and access to the resource. It is sought, under the bias of Environmental History, to focus on the relation of subjects to the natural world which surrounds them, and, above all, to the uses of the natural water resource, considering the place and role that the environment occupies in social transformations historically determined. The present historiographical approach, without leaving behind a consideration of a reality about the misuse of water resource, sought to observe the other aspects of the historical conditions of the use and management of this natural resource in the city of Desterro, showing sociabilities, conflicts, gestures and sensitivities, among others related issues.