The Old Wellhouse

This Wellhouse was built in the 17th Century. The water from several springs in the Comiston area. was collected in a cistern in the above building, and to provide a piped water supply for Edinburgh. While it sounds well planned, the act of parliament passed to allow the provision of fresh water at Comiston was passed in 1621, the wellhouse built in 1674, and then only the posh houses got a water supply.
Other springs at Bonaly and Liberton were used to supply more water, through wooden pipes. It wasn't until the 19th Century when reservoirs were constructed to supply enough water for city residents and the industrial revolution.