Why were elaborate waterworks needed to supply the fountains at Versailles?

Elaborate waterworks were required at the Palace of Versailles primarily due to the natural scarcity of water in the area. To supply the palace's numerous fountains and ornamental basins, engineers had to undertake massive, complex projects to transport water from distant sources.1

These efforts included:
* Tapping the Seine: Waterworks were constructed at Marly-le-Roi to draw water from the Seine River, though much of this supply was eventually diverted to the royal château at Marly.1
* Eure River Project: Significant financial resources were invested and many lives were lost in an attempt to bring water from the Eure River, though this project was ultimately abandoned during the War of the Grand Alliance.1
* Collection Systems: Eventually, water was collected from the plateau between Versailles and Rambouillet and transported to the gardens through a vast, hidden network of channels, pipes, vaults, and aqueducts.1