Water pathways through the ages: From early aqueducts to next generation of wastewater treatment plants

Abstract

This chapter describes the history of water management from early civilizations with little or no regulations to modern times with stringent environmental standards. Public health and longevity were continually improved due to better management which resulted in clean drinking water and sanitation. Also, there were major socioeconomic events which brought focus on water management such as the Black Plague and the two world wars. Furthermore, there were also scientific events such as the development of better analytical techniques and mathematical models. This chapter highlights that pollution control has been changed by advances in scientific knowledge and technology.