[AMERICANA]. MILLER, John. Report of the Committee for the Introduction of Wholesome Water into the City of Philadelphia. Philadelphia: Zachariah Poulson, 1801.
8vo. (Light spotting). Disbound and stab-sewn with new cord.
FIRST EDITION. In 1801, Philadelphia became a pioneer in municipal water supply by establishing the first city-owned water system in the United States. This groundbreaking project was initiated in response to devastating yellow fever epidemics that had plagued the city in the 1790s. The system drew water from the Schuylkill River using steam engines located at Centre Square (now City Hall) and at the foot of Chestnut Street. Water was then distributed throughout the city via wooden pipes, with paying customers receiving direct lines to their homes and businesses, while free water was available to the public through hydrants. Shaw & Shoemaker 1145.
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