The filtration of public water-supplies

The book opens with a vivid portrait of how the growing awareness of water‑borne disease spurred Europe to adopt filtration long before the United States did. It traces early American hesitance, when cheap, untreated river water seemed sufficient despite recurring cholera and typhoid outbreaks, and explains how fresh scientific insight into germs finally turned public opinion toward safer supplies.

From there, the author walks listeners through half a century of practical experience, from Kirkwood’s pioneering report to the breakthrough experiments at Lawrence, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Clear, concise explanations of filtration theory are paired with real‑world examples, cost‑saving strategies, and warnings against inferior systems. Whether you’re an engineer, a historian, or simply curious about the science that turned murky rivers into drinkable water, this guide offers a compelling mix of technical detail and historical narrative that brings the evolution of public‑water safety to life.