The Arteaga network is declared a National Historic Monument

Abstract

Ms. Director of Salud Militar: In issue No. 1 of this same volume, I published the article: History of Public Hygiene in Montevideo: The First Water Pipes (1854-1913). On this occasion, I would like to reinforce relevant information that was published after the presentation and acceptance of the aforementioned article. Through the efforts of the National Cultural Heritage Commission, the Ministry of Education and Culture, by Resolution No. 396/024 of December 31, 2024, declared the primitive sewer system of Montevideo, known as the Arteaga Network, the first to be built in Latin America in the mid-19th century, a “National Historic Monument.” This declaration represents a significant advance in the appreciation and protection of Montevideo's technical and industrial heritage.
The declaration covers a section of the original pipe network built from 1856 onwards on private initiative, considered to be of “maximum heritage protection”. In this way, a section of the Arteaga Network is preserved for the future as it was built, without being affected by successive extensions and repairs.

Article 1 of the Resolution states:

The Arteaga Sanitation Network located in the Old City of Montevideo is hereby declared a National Historic Monument, within the following boundaries according to the “Special Plan for the Organization, Protection, and Improvement of the Old City - July 18” (IM, 2003): the Río de la Plata, Montevideo Bay, Florida Street - north of Plaza Independencia, both sides -; Plaza Independencia and Ciudadela Street - south of Plaza Independencia, both sides.

Based on this Resolution, any work that may affect the sewer system in the area declared a heritage site must obtain prior authorization from the Heritage Commission, bearing in mind that the preservation of the original work over time must be ensured.

This highlights the importance of integration between public policy, heritage management, and preventive conservation in safeguarding urban-industrial heritage.

In conclusion, the declaration of the Arteaga Network as a National Monument not only recognizes its historical value but also provides a legal framework that ensures its protection and conservation for future generations, promoting greater awareness of the importance of preserving the infrastructure that constitutes our urban and technical memory.

Received for review: June 2025.
Accepted for publication: September 2025.
Correspondence: 21 de Septiembre 2713, Suite 401, Postal Code 11300, Tel.: (+598) 27101418. Montevideo, Uruguay.
Contact email: asoiza@adinet.com.uy