Jet d'Eau off for a month

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The Geneva landmark, the Jet d’Eau will be out of action for a month from next week.

The shutdown is to allow for renovation work on the pumps.

Although an annual switch off is normal, it will be a little longer this year as one of the two pumps needs an overhaul – which happens once every five years.

The dates of the shut down is taken in consultation with the Tourist Office. 

Visitors always get upset if the water isn’t flowing, but this a quiet time for leisure travel. 

Normally the water jet runs from 10am to at least 4pm – but sometimes on special occasions up to 1030pm. 

The two pumps driving the water weigh 16 tonnes, take 1000 kilowatts of power and spray 500 liters of water a second at 200 kph. 

The Jet was also quiet during lockdown to protect the team of retired firefighters who traditionally keep watch when it’s running so it can be shut down if the wind gets too strong. 

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