Water at Salem in 18th century

Waterworks were uncommon in the U.S. in the 18th century, but in 1778, drawing from their familiarity with German waterworks systems, the 126 residents of Moravian Salem built one of the first public waterworks in this country. The pipes were cut from white oak logs. The water was gravity fed into Salem having traveled about one mile. 

This water system was not for the purpose of personal bathing or hygiene, but for several  kitchens - the Single Brothers, the Single Sisters and the Tavern.  The kitchens then as today had one simple tap for washing pots and pans. This was a huge labor saving arrangement.