One of the most impressive sights in Geneva is the gigantic water fountain known as the Jet D'eau. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and is a big tourist attraction.
500 liters of water are propelled up to a height of 140 meters and at a speed of 200 km per hour.
It really started out life, in 1886, as a safety feature for a hydro power generator. As demand for high pressure water wasn't high at night a safety valve was used to diminish the pressure at that time.
In 1891, recognizing its potential as a tourist attraction the city moved it to its present location in a more exposed part of the lake where it awes thousands of tourists each year.
