Each year in May, communities around the country celebrate Drinking Water Week to highlight the importance of safe drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it flowing around the clock in our communities.
To celebrate this year, let’s look back to find out drinking water treatment and filtration came to be! Dive into to the full infographic for water distribution at https://drinktap.org/Portals/0/drinktap_files/DistroTimelineSingle.pdf
Ancient Times
The first known distribution systems date back to 3100-1100 B.C with weirs and diversion dams built in Mesopotamia to divert water into reservoirs and canals. The Ancient Egyptians also constructed large basins to help with growing crops and were the first people to record methods for treating water. Not only did they clean it by heating methods (boiling, sun), but they used filtration techniques such as sand and gravel filtration, filtering through porous clay jars, or using alum to cause suspended particles to settle.
Enter the Roman empire. It is perhaps the most well known of the ancient time period with their vast networks of aqueducts and documented methods for solving problems such as sludge and scale buildup. Then after the fall of the Roman empire, water treatment, innovation, and even distribution stalled. Throughout the Middle Ages, problems such as typhoid and cholera were rampant thanks to the lack of systems of treatment.
The Industrial Age
As the need for clean water for industrial purposes picked up, sand and gravel filters for removing particles were commonly found in use. The first municipal water treatment plant was in Scotland in the early 1800’s. Still however, there was little understanding of drinking water contaminants that were not visible to the naked eye or did not produce odor.
After the invention of the microscope in the mid 1800s, germs could be seen in water and the link between contaminated water and disease was established. Water systems in the United States had begun to be more regularly installed using cast iron and lead pipes and filtration that was based on reducing turbidity only. The first water meter for measuring customer use was developed and pumping systems were installed.
Worldwide, Belgium was the first country to use chlorine to treat water in a public water supply in around 1902. Cities in the United Status began to follow shortly after. Water policy also began around this time with the passage of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 which prohibited discharge of most refuse into U.S. waters and a law from the Public Health Service to investigate the relationship of water pollution and human health.
Drinking Water Today
Now, almost every city in the world treats their drinking water. Lead pipes that were being used for distribution are being replaced and industries are more aware of proper waste disposal methods. Municipalities and private industry continue to innovate as drinking water treatments evolve. With the passage of the U.S. Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 and amendments in 1972 (now known as the Clean Water Act), communities and industries around the country must follow protocol for how water is treated to ensure every citizen has the right to clean drinking water.
Local businesses and individuals too play a crucial role in keeping drinking water safe. Business in one of the 7 Wellfield Protection Areas in Marion County, IN are required to comply with local and federal regulations to protect drinking water. Local residents can help by disposing of household chemicals properly and keep trash out of the stormwater systems.
As a local business or resident this Drinking Water Week, let’s all take one small step to conserve and keep our drinking water clean!
About Drinking Water Week
For several decades, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. Free materials for download and additional information about Drinking Water Week are available on the Drinking Water Week webpage.
