History of Chlorination
Today marks the 110t
h year of chlorinating drinking water in the United States. Dr. John L. Leal made this vital improvement to drinking water and global public health in 1908. This contribution originated in Jersey City, New Jersey, where Dr. Leal began seeking ways to reduce the skyrocketing rates of dysentery and typhoid fever. His suggestion of adding chlorine to drinking water was met with heavy opposition from his peers, but through unfettered determination Jersey City became the first city to receive chlorinated drinking water. This practice soon became widespread, and the severe decline in waterborne diseases followed.
More information on chlorine in drinking water can be found here. The link provides an in-depth history of drinking water chlorination by Dr. Michael McGuire, and an overview of Dr. Leal’s contribution to public health.
