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History of drinking water treatment
Humans have been storing and distributing water for centuries. Before, when people lived as hunters/ collectors, river water was applied for drinking water purposes. When people permanently stayed in one place for a long period of time, this was usually near a river or lake. When there were no rivers or lakes in an area, people used groundwater for drinking water purposes. This was pumped up through wells.
When the human population started growing extensively, the water supply was no longer sufficient. Drinking water needed to be extracted from a different source.
About 7000 years ago, Jericho (Israël, figure 1) stored water in wells that were used as sources. People also started to develop drinking water transport systems. The transport took place through simple channels, dug in the sand or in rocks. Later on one also started using hollow tubes. Egypt used hollow palm trees and China and Japan used bamboo strunks. Eventually one started using clay, wood and even metal.
In Perzia people searched for underground rivers and lakes. The water went through holes in rocks into the wells on the plains.
Around 3000 B.C., the city of Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan) used a very extensive water supply. In this city there were public bathing facilities with water boiler installations and bathrooms.
In ancient Greece spring water, well water, and rainwater were used very early on. Because of a fast increase in urban population, Greece was forced to store water in wells and transport it to the people through a distribution network. The water that was used was carried away through sewers, along with the rainwater. When valleys were reached, the water was lead through hills under pressure. The Greek where among the first to gain an interest in water quality. They used aeration basins for water purification.
Figure 1: bathing residence in Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan
The Romans were the greatest architects and constuctors of water distribution networks in history. They used river, spring or groundwater for provisioning. The Romans built dams in rivers, causing lakes to form. The lake water was aerated and than supplied. Mountain water was the most popular type of water, because of its quality.
For water transport the aquaducts where built. Through these aquaducts water was transported for tens of miles. Plumming in the city was made of concrete, rock, bronze, silver, wood or lead. Water winnings were protected from foreign pollutants.
Figure 2: a Roman aquaduct
After the fall of the Roman empire, the aquaducts were no longer used. From 500 to 1500 A.D. there was little development in the water treatment area. In the Middle Ages countless cities were manifested. In these cities wooden plumming was used. The water was extracted from rivers or wells, or from outside the city. Soon, circ*mstances became highly unhygenic, because waste and excrements were discharged into the water. People that drank this water fell ill and often died. To solve the problem people started drinking water from outside the city, where rivers where unpolluted. This water was carried to the city by so-called water-bearers.
The first drinking water supply that supplied an entire city was built in Paisley, Scotland in 1804 by John Gibb, in order to supply his bleachery and the entire city with water. Within three years, filtered water was transported to Glasgow.
In 1806 Paris operated a large water treatment plant. The water settled for 12 hours, before it was filtered. Filters consisted of sand and charcoal and where replaced every six hours.
In 1827, the Englishman James Simpson built a sand filter for drinking water purification. Today, we still call this the number one tribute to public health.
More information on water disinfection?:
Introduction water disinfection Necessity water treatment History of drinking water treatment
What is water disinfection? Necessity of drinking water disinfection History of water disinfection Waterborne diseases Factors that influence disinfection Conditions of water disinfection Regulation drinking water disinfection EU USA
Swimming pool treatment Swimming pool pollutions Swimming pool disinfection Swimming pool disinfection & health
Cooling tower water Cooling tower water pollutions Cooling tower water disinfection Cooling tower water legislation
Chemical disinfectants Chlorine Sodium hypochlorite Chloramines Chlorine dioxide Copper silver ionization Hydrogen peroxide Bromine Peroxone Peracetic acid
Disinfection byproducts Types of disinfection byproducts Research on health effects of disinfection byproducts
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As an expert in water treatment and disinfection, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of the historical development of water treatment methods, ranging from ancient civilizations to modern technologies. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article.
The article traces the history of drinking water treatment, highlighting key milestones in the evolution of water supply and purification techniques:
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Ancient Practices:
- In the early stages of human settlement, river water was a primary source of drinking water.
- Groundwater from wells became a crucial source as people settled in one location for extended periods.
- Drinking water transport systems were developed using channels, hollow tubes, and materials like bamboo, clay, wood, and metal.
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Ancient Civilizations:
- The city of Mohenjo-Daro in Pakistan (around 3000 B.C.) had advanced water supply with public bathing facilities and water boiler installations.
- Ancient Greece utilized spring water, well water, and rainwater, employing wells and distribution networks to meet the needs of a growing urban population.
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Roman Innovations:
- The Romans were pioneers in constructing water distribution networks, utilizing river, spring, and groundwater.
- Aqueducts were built to transport water over long distances, and plumbing materials included concrete, rock, bronze, silver, wood, or lead.
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Middle Ages and Challenges:
- After the fall of the Roman Empire, aqueducts fell out of use, and there was little development in water treatment from 500 to 1500 A.D.
- Wooden plumbing in medieval cities led to unsanitary conditions, as waste and excrements contaminated water sources.
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Modern Developments:
- In the 19th century, John Gibb built the first drinking water supply system for an entire city in Paisley, Scotland.
- Paris operated a water treatment plant in 1806, using sand and charcoal filters, and Glasgow received filtered water by 1809.
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Advancements in the 19th Century:
- James Simpson, an Englishman, introduced a sand filter for drinking water purification in 1827, considered a significant contribution to public health.
The article also touches on the necessity of water disinfection, waterborne diseases, and factors influencing disinfection. Towards the end, it provides a comprehensive list of chemical disinfectants, including chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, chloramines, chlorine dioxide, copper silver ionization, hydrogen peroxide, bromine, peroxone, and peracetic acid.
For more information on water disinfection, the article suggests exploring topics such as the introduction to water disinfection, regulations in the EU and USA, swimming pool treatment, cooling tower water, and various chemical disinfectants. The information is sourced from Lenntech, a reputable organization in the field of water treatment, as indicated by the provided contact details and company information.
