This pictures shows the channels that are built to carry water to the individual pools. The entrance to the pools from the channels can be plugged when water is not needed.

The salt flats have been in existence since pre-Incan times. They are operated as a cooperative. The salt is from the waters of the mountain streams that feed the facility. The salt is picked up from within the mountains. The Andes were formed from land pushing up from the level of the sea a long time back in history.