The Ancient Reservoir is part of the water supply system originating in several springs in the Nazareth Hills. Two aqueducts - one carved into the bedrock, the other constructed. The major aqueduct leads into an enormous reservoir measuring 260 meters  long, 2-4 meters wide and about 10 meters deep. The actual capacity of the reservoir is some 4'300 cube meters. At the end of the reservoir was a gate valve enabling regulation of the water flow, which passed into the city through a tunnel 235 meters long. the northern branch of the aqueduct leads into a pool measuring 14 x 21 meters, which was located at the edge of town and apparently used for swimming. The water supply from the reservoir entered the town at approximately 270 meters above sea level (about 20 meters lower than the fortress), and provided water to most parts of the city.
The reservoir appears to have been built in two stages: one during the 2nd century A.C, the other during the 4th. It was in use until the 7th century, In the higher levels of the town, many household cisterns were found, in which rainwater was collected for use by residents of the city not served by the water supply system. The townsfolk also made use of the Saffouriyh (Sepphoris) Springs which, although not conveniently located. Nevertheless had a plentiful and steady flow rate of some 110 cubic meters per hour.

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