Plumbing development and the Charles River
Date Range
January 1, 1803 – January 2, 1803
Title
Plumbing development and the Charles River
What occurred
Introduction of public water supply spurs the development of internal plumbing for waste; waste is conveyed directly to Charles through pre-existing street drains and through newly constructed common sewers carrying storm and sewer water. Bacteria load to river subsequently increased dramatically and waste on exposed mudflats caused a stench thought to spread disease.
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Student name(s)
Max Melanson