Cook bacon in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat. When it is fully cooked and crisp, set bacon aside and reserve fat.
Add onion, celery and carrots to the bacon fat in the French oven and sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 8 minutes.
Add peas, then water, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Partially cover pot; simmer soup until vegetables are tender and peas are falling apart (they literally split! amazing), stirring often, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Recipe by In Good Taste at https://ingoodtaste.kitchen/split-pea-soup/