Abstract: Current water distribution systems are not very sustainable, including a lack of maintenance, the lack of attention to stormwater and runoff, and inadequate purification methods. However, the Inca engineers of the 11th century were able to keep water clean and reduce waste with limited resources. Part of this had to do with their focus on and their need to work with nature instead of against it when designing and constructing. This is something that is often overlooked today, where many times designers aim for the cheapest and simplest solution instead of the most sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and safest. This paper presents research on issues with current water engineering practices as well as potential solutions through ancient engineering.