From the NM Science blog at the Albuquerque Journal (John Fleck):
Today’s the 200th anniversary of the birth of John Snow, a British physician who could reasonably be called the father of the science behind clean water. It seems obvious in retrospect, but it was Snow’s 19th century work linking sewage discharged into the Thames (and found contaminating London drinking water wells) and the devastation of cholera.
Storytelling about Snow’s work revolves around the Broad Street pump, a well in London used in the neighborhood north of Piccadilly Circus. Snow famously removed the pump’s handle to prevent people from using it, and cholera cases in the neighborhood quickly dropped off.
Here’s a look at John Snow from Peter Gieick writing for Science Blogs. Here’s an excerpt:
This week is the 200th anniversary of the birth of the man who would help settle, once and for all, the question of the cause of cholera. In the process, a legend would develop around him, an honorary society would be created in his name, websites would be created to discuss his role in water history, and a pub in London would be named after him.
More water pollution coverage here.