01 / The world before
Waterborne pathogens could spread through communities with devastating consequences.
02 / The discovery
Water treatment, testing and sanitation became systems of prevention informed by microbiology and engineering.
03 / The people
Engineers, water operators, public-health workers and laboratory technicians.
04 / The obstacles
Infrastructure costs, unequal access and maintenance remain barriers.
05 / The world after
Safer drinking water reduces exposure to infectious disease.
06 / Why it still matters
Turn on a tap and you encounter a chain of science, labor and investment.