This document identifies important historical elements in the development of public water supplies. This summary is written primarily for school children and those seeking a simplified overview of historic milestones in the public water supply profession. The development of public water systems, similar to those of today, has been in response to the needs of society and has been very dependent on many technical and manufacturing innovations in the last two hundred years.
Basic survival requires a safe water supply, food, shelter, and clothing.
A safe water supply has always been a critical need of mankind. Villages were purposely located near good water supplies and ancient trails were often routed past natural springs. However, most early supplies were unimproved streams, ponds and springs that were frequently subject to droughts, contamination, and ownership struggles. Water supply sources with high clarity, good taste, and reliable flows were prized by our ancestors. Where these sources were found, facilities were constructed to allow easier access.