Prior to the 19th century, water treatment was a rudimentary process focused on improving the look, smell, and taste of water. While those principles still stand, we've come a long way from simply boiling water. The history of water treatment is full of fascinating discoveries and burgeoning technological achievements, so read on for an overview of the standout moments.

A Brief History of Water Treatment

Early Filtration

Removing debris from water was of the utmost importance in the early 19th century, and the first city to use a filter to supply its people with water was Paisley, Scotland. This particular filter was the brainchild of John Gibb, whose work would go on to inspire London to do the same in 1828. Early filters were made up of sand, gravel, and bricks, and they were surprisingly effective. London's Chelsea filter boasted the ability to clear around 95 percent of impurities, but proliferation to other regions was slow.

If the need for filtration wasn't readily apparent, it would become increasingly so as technology such as the toilet began to gain in popularity. Once London lifted the prohibition on emptying household drains into city sewers in 1815, the contamination that followed made the need for filtration paramount. The U.S. experienced similar circumstances along with the increase in water consumption.

The Need for Treatment

Filtration may have been established, but it soon became clear that disinfection was also necessary. A Cholera epidemic was spread via water supply in 1854, but cases appeared to be less severe in areas with sand filters. When British scientist John Snow decided to purify the water with chlorine, the doors for effective treatment began to open.

The invention of chlorination and the reported respiratory issues and aggravation that resulted, however, would eventually lead water experts to develop more effective solutions, such as Belgium's introduction of calcium hypochlorite and ferric chloride into the water supply in 1902.

The early 20th century continued to see growth in treatment, even leading to the installation of home water filters and higher drinking water standards. In the United States, the early '70s brought with them the passing of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, both of which aimed to ensure everyone had access to drinking water that was clean and safe to consume. Just a few decades later, this is something many countries take for granted—but the journey isn't over. Despite its storied history, water treatment technology continues to advance, and control is more firmly in the consumers’ hands than ever before.

Proper water treatment matters, and you can keep your supply in top shape with the help of an expert plumber. The team at Carolina Plumbing & Water Systems provides Mebane, NC, area homeowners with everything from well pump repairs to thorough water testing, and they even offer around-the-clock emergency response services. Visit them online to learn more about how they can help with your water system, and call them today at (919) 563-3709.