Difference between revisions of "Timeline of sanitation"

This is a '''timeline of {{w|sanitation}}''', attempting to describe events covering {{w|sewage}} systems as well as sanitation facilities such as {{w|toilets}}. Due to some sharing events and the nature of the topic, this timeline may intersect with the [[timeline of hygiene]], [[timeline of water supply]] and [[timeline of water treatment]].

| 1800s || Around 1850 onwards, modern sewerage is “reborn”, but many of the principles grasped by the ancients are still in use today.<ref name="The Historical Development of Sewers Worldwide"/> Indoor plumbing initiates in Europe and the United States.<ref name="History of Plumbing Systems"/>  "1800s-1900s: Sewer systems were constructed in many European and US cities, initially discharging untreated sewage to waterways. When discharge of untreated sewerage became increasingly unacceptable, experimentation towards improved treatment methods resulted in sewage farming, chemical precipitation, filtration, sedimentation, chemical treatment, and activated sludge treatment using aerobic microorganisms."<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION"/> {{w|Earth closets}} are popular.<ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS"/> Late in the century, many cities start constructing extensive sewer systems to help control outbreaks of disease such as {{w|typhoid}} and {{w|cholera}}. Also, some cities begin to add chemical treatment and sedimentation systems to their sewers.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> {{w|Flush toilet}}s come into widespread use late in the century as well.<ref>''[http://www.amazon.com/dp/193259521X Poop Culture: How America is Shaped by its Grossest National Product]'', Dave Praeger</ref>  

| Recent years || Worldwide, about 2,4 billion people lack sanitation, such as toilets or latrines. Every year, 5 million people die of waterborne diseases, including nearly 1,000 children dying every day due to preventable water and sanitation-related  diarrhoeal diseases.<ref name="Waterborne diseases">{{cite web|title=Waterborne diseases|url=http://www.lenntech.com/processes/disinfection/deseases/waterborne-diseases-contagion.htm|website=lenntech.com|accessdate=8 August 2017}}</ref> At least 1,8 billion people globally use a source of drinking water that is fecally contaminated. More than 80% of wastewater resulting from human activities is discharged into rivers or sea without any pollution removal.<ref name="Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all">{{cite web|title=Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all|url=http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/|website=un.org|accessdate=8 August 2017}}</ref>

! Year !! Event type !! Details !! Present time country/location

| 4000 BC || || The {{w|Babylon}}ians introduce clay sewer pipes, with the earliest examples found in the Temple of Bel at {{w|Nippur}} and at {{w|Eshnunna}}, {{w|Babylonia}}.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY">{{cite book|last1=Burke|first1=Joseph|title=FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY|url=https://books.google.com.ar/books?id=fdIoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA2&lpg=PA2&dq=The+Babylonians+introduced+the+world+to+clay+sewer+pipes,+c4000+BCE,+with+the+earliest+examples+found+in+the+Temple+of+Bel+at+Nippur+and+at+Eshnunna,+Babylonia.&source=bl&ots=_2hJfLI0CM&sig=qaUlAtBRoGK5pMfwQ_YJ2MF_-VI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwil_NqSyrzVAhWDGZAKHfmlALIQ6AEIJjAA#v=onepage&q=The%20Babylonians%20introduced%20the%20world%20to%20clay%20sewer%20pipes%2C%20c4000%20BCE%2C%20with%20the%20earliest%20examples%20found%20in%20the%20Temple%20of%20Bel%20at%20Nippur%20and%20at%20Eshnunna%2C%20Babylonia.&f=false|accessdate=4 August 2017}}</ref> ||

| 4000 BC–2500 BC || || Evidence of surface-based storm drainage systems in early [[w:Babylonian empire|Babylonian]] and {{w|Mesopotamian Empire}}s in Iraq is found.<ref name="The Historical Development of Sewers Worldwide">{{cite journal|last1=De Feo|first1=Giovanni|last2=Antoniou|first2=George|last3=Fardin|first3=Hilal Franz|last4=El-Gohary|first4=Fatma|last5=Zheng|first5=Xiao Yun|last6=Reklaityte|first6=Ieva|last7=Butler|first7=David|last8=Yannopoulos|first8=Stavros|last9=Angelakis|first9=Andreas N.|title=The Historical Development of Sewers Worldwide|doi=10.3390/su6063936|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263278132_The_Historical_Development_of_Sewers_Worldwide|accessdate=22 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|Iraq}}

| 3500 BC || || The making of alloy begins.<ref name="Solid Waste Management: Principles and Practice"/> ||

| 3200 BC–2300 BC || || In the early {{w|Minoan civilization}}, issues related to sanitary techniques are considered of great importance. Advanced wastewater and stormwater management are practiced. In several Minoan palaces, one of the most important elements is the provision and distribution of water and the removal of waste and stormwater by means of sophisticated hydraulic works. The sewage and drainage systems are mainly stone structures. Stone conduits forme drains which lead rainwater from the courts outside the palaces, to eliminate the risk of flooding.<ref name="The Historical Development of Sewers Worldwide"/> || {{w|Greece}}

| 3200 BC–2200 BC || || Early drainage systems are built in {{w|Skara Brae}}, {{w|Scotland}}. Stone huts have drains with cubicles over them, probably used as toilets.<ref name="The Historical Development of Sewers Worldwide"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 3000 BC–2700 BC || || The {{w|Indus Valley Civilization}} shows [[w:Sanitation in the Indus Valley Civilization|early evidence of public water supply and sanitation]], having developed flushing toilets, along with a working sewer system, to deal with the issues of waste disposal and indoor sanitation.<ref name="History of Plumbing Systems">{{cite web|title=History of Plumbing Systems|url=http://www.homeadvisor.com/r/history-of-plumbing/#.WYeNNlGkqUk|website=homeadvisor.com|accessdate=6 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="Jews, Church & Civilization, Volume I">{{cite book|last1=Birnbaum|first1=David|title=Jews, Church & Civilization, Volume I|url=https://books.google.com.ar/books?id=WXbO9Gz_YbkC&pg=PA53&lpg=PA53&dq=%22plumbing%22+%22qin+dynasty%22&source=bl&ots=ZxSjuhpgnH&sig=V7kbf2IrQOeTI_YoT2Qs14vKpBw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjA8p-qwunVAhWFIZAKHdv9AmgQ6AEIWDAO#v=onepage&q=%22plumbing%22%20%22qin%20dynasty%22&f=false|accessdate=21 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="The Historical Development of Sewers Worldwide"/> || {{w|India}}

| 2600 BC – 1100 BC || || The ancient Greek civilization of Crete, known as the {{w|Minoan civilization}}, already uses underground clay pipes for sanitation and water supply.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> ||

| 2350 BC || || The Indus city of {{w|Lothal}} provides all houses with their own private toilet which is connected to a covered sewer network constructed of brickwork held together with a gypsum-based mortar that empties either into the surrounding water bodies or alternatively into {{w|cesspit}}s, the latter of which are regularly emptied and cleaned.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Khan|first1=Saifullah|title=1 Chapter 2 Sanitation and wastewater technologies in Harappa/Indus valley civilization ( ca . 2600-1900 BC)|url=http://www.academia.edu/5937322/Chapter_2_Sanitation_and_wastewater_technologies_in_Harappa_Indus_valley_civilization_ca._26001900_BC|website=Academia.edu|publisher=Academia.edu|accessdate=3 August 2017|ref=http://www.academia.edu/5937322/Chapter_2_Sanitation_and_wastewater_technologies_in_Harappa_Indus_valley_civilization_ca._26001900_BC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Maya plumbing: First pressurized water feature found in New World|url=http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100504155421.htm|publisher=Penn State|accessdate=3 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="Ancient Indian Toilets">{{cite web|title=Ancient Indian Toilets|url=https://sites.google.com/a/brvgs.k12.va.us/wh-14-sem-1-ancient-india-ogm/invention-page-sample/toilets|website=google.com|accessdate=22 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|India}}

| 2100 BC || || The [[w:Ancient egypt|Egyptian]] city if {{w|Herakopolis}} has a system of removal of wastes, organic and inorganic to locations outside the living and/or communal areas, usually to the rivers. Finer houses have bathrooms and toilet seats made of limestone. || {{w|Egypt}}

| 2100 BC || || The cities on the island of {{w|Crete}} have trunk sewers connecting homes.<ref name="Solid Waste Management: Principles and Practice">{{cite book|last1=Chandrappa|first1=Ramesha|last2=Bhusan Das|first2=Diganta|title=Solid Waste Management: Principles and Practice|url=https://books.google.com.ar/books?id=8c4h3qshpJYC&pg=PA10&lpg=PA10&dq=%22500+BC+%22+%22+municipal+dump%22+%22greece%22&source=bl&ots=r8nfQY1DuD&sig=_01OsTMVBtNdE5_eP9SykeXKtb0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjFoObqydDVAhVGg5AKHQf5Bi0Q6AEIKTAB#v=onepage&q=%22500%20BC%20%22%20%22%20municipal%20dump%22%20%22greece%22&f=false|accessdate=12 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|Greece}}

| 2000 BC || || Descriptions of of foul water purification by boiling and filtering are written in {{w|Sanskrit}}.<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION">{{cite web|title=SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION|url=http://www.hygieneforhealth.org.au/public_sanitation.php|website=hygieneforhealth.org.au|accessdate=3 August 2017}}</ref> ||   

| 1800 BC || || "On Crete some toilets are flushed with water" ||

| 1200 BC || || Rich Egyptians use a container with sand for toilet, which is emptied by slaves.<ref name="A TIMELINE OF TOILETS IN HISTORY">{{cite web|title=A TIMELINE OF TOILETS IN HISTORY|url=http://www.localhistories.org/toilettime.html|website=localhistories.org|accessdate=4 August 2017}}</ref> ||{{w|Egypt}}

| 1200 BC || || An array of slag and scrap materials are brought with the beginning of the {{w|Iron Age}}.<ref name="Solid Waste Management: Principles and Practice"/> ||

| 1046 – 256 BC || || "During the {{w|Zhou Dynasty}} in ancient China, sewers existed in various cities such as [[w:Ancient Linzi|Linzi]]." || {{w|China}}

| 800 BC–100 BC || || The {{w|Etruscan civilization}} has drainage channels on the sides of streets in its towns. The etruscan system is based both on the natural slope of the plateau and on an artificial modification. The Etruscan system is planned in order to avoid water runoff interacting with the two necropolis located between the urban area and the [[w:Reno (river)|river Reno]], where wastewater is usually discharged.<ref name="The Historical Development of Sewers Worldwide"/> || {{w|Italy}}

| 753 BC–476 AD || || " Urinal-style toilets were common features at public baths, making use of aqueduct technology to carry waste into sewers which emptied into the River Tiber." || {{w|Italy}}

| 700 BC - 400 AD || || The Romans develop a very advanced technology for sanitation, including baths with flowing water, and underground sewers and drains. The drains of Rome are intended primarily to carry away runoff from storms and to flush streets. The {{w|Cloaca Maxima}} sewage system, combines three functions: wastewater

removal, rainwater removal and swamp drainage. The waste water removed by the city’s sewage system, some of which, like the {{w|Cloaca Maxima}}, is still in use today.<ref name="History of Plumbing Systems"/> The Romans worship {{w|Cloacina}}, the goddess who presides over the Cloaca Maxima ("Greatest Drain"), the main trunk of the system of sewers in [[w:Rome, Italy|Rome]].<ref name="Evolution of Water Supply Through the Millennia">{{cite book|last1=Angelakis|first1=Andreas N.|last2=Mays|first2=Larry W.|last3=Koutsoyiannis|first3=Demetris|last4=Mamassis|first4=Nikos|title=Evolution of Water Supply Through the Millennia|url=https://books.google.com.ar/books?id=WxXu83RxSNwC&pg=PA10&lpg=PA10&dq=cloacina+cloaca&source=bl&ots=2p_g_D9O0K&sig=2KubXFv32ZEj8omXII6ReAzKyD8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwic053uob7VAhUIQZAKHS2FDwMQ6AEIjAEwEg#v=onepage&q=cloacina%20cloaca&f=false|accessdate=4 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|Italy}}

| 206 BC–24 AD || || Latrine use dates back to the Western Han Dynasty. A found toilet with running water, a stone seat and an armrest dates bak from this time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Find flushes away British toilet assertion|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/find-flushes-away-british-toilet-assertion/article25467422/%7b%7burl%7d%7d/?reqid=%257B%257Brequest_id%257D%257D|website=theglobeandmail.com|accessdate=22 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=China claims invention of toilet|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/851957.stm|website=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=22 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|China}}

| 200 BC – 100 BC || || In {{w|China}} Yellow Emperor’s Treatise on Internal Medicine dictates that "it is more important to prevent illness than to cure the illness when it has arisen". Clean water is known to be important in disease prevention so wells are covered, devices are used to filter water and the Chhii Shih (“sanitary police”) removes all animal and human corpses from waterways and buries all bodies found on land.<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION"/> || {{w|China}}

| 46 BC – 400 AD || || Roman settlements in the United Kingdom have complex sewer networks sometimes constructed out of hollowed–out elm logs, which are shaped so that they butt together with the down–stream pipe providing a socket for the upstream pipe.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 100 AD || || [[w:ancient rome|Roman]] sewers collect [[w:Rainwater harvesting|rainwater]] and {{w|sewage}}. There are public lavatories. <ref name="A TIMELINE OF TOILETS IN HISTORY"/> || {{w|Italy}}

| 250 – 900 AD || || The [[w:Maya civilization|Classic Mayans]] at {{w|Palenque}} have underground aqueducts and flush toilets.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> || {{w|Mexico}}

| 1100s || || "At Portchester Castle monks built stone chutes leading to the sea. When the tide went in and out it flushed away the sewage." ||

| 1200 || || In medieval Europe, Toilets in castles consist usually in vertical shafts cut into the thickness of the walls with a stone seat on top.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bathroom Toilet History|url=https://bathrooms.co.za/bathroom-toilet-history/|website=bathrooms.co.za|accessdate=23 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|Europe}}

| 1370 || || The first closed sewer constructed in {{w|Paris}} is designed by Hughes Aubird on Rue Montmartre, and is 300 meters long.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> || {{w|France}}

| 1388 || || The English Parliament bans dumping of waste in ditches and public waterways.<ref name="Solid Waste Management: Principles and Practice"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1427 || || The first English public Act about sewerage issue is delivered.<ref name="Public baths and latrines from ancient and modern times"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1531 || || {{w|Sewage farm}}s (wastewater used for irrigation and fertilizing agricultural land) are operated in [[w:Bolesławiec|Bunzlau]], {{w|Silesia}}.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> ||   

| 1596 || || Sir John Harington invents a flush toilet for his godmother {{w|Queen Elizabeth I}}, that releases wastes into cesspools.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1650 || || {{w|Sewage farm}}s are operated in {{w|Edinburgh}}, {{w|Scotland}}.<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1676 (9 October) || || Using the newly invented {{w|microscope}}, Dutch scientist {{w|Antonie van Leeuwenhoek}} reports the discovery of {{w|microorganism}}s. With the microscope, for the first time, small material particles that were suspended in the water can be seen, laying the groundwork for the future understanding of waterborne pathogens and {{w|waterborne diseases}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.historyofwaterfilters.com/microscope-in-water.html|title=The Use of the Microscope in Water Filter History|accessdate=4 August 2017}}</ref><ref name=Wootton>{{cite book |author=Wootton, David |title=Bad medicine: doctors doing harm since Hippocrates |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford [Oxfordshire] |year=2006 |pages=110|isbn=0-19-280355-7 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=3 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|Netherlands}}

| 1721 || || New decree issued in {{w|Paris}} requires property owners to pay for the cleaning of the covered sewers beneath their buildings.<ref name="Public baths and latrines from ancient and modern times"/> || {{w|France}}

| 1770s || || "1770s: A flurry of innovations saw development of the “S-trap”, plunger, and hinged valve, all of which were improvements but failed to completely seal off smelly sewer gases from below. 1775: The first patent for a flush toilet was awarded to Alexander Cummings (Scotland). 1800s: Toilets and sewer systems became increasingly common in England and the USA. 1910: Toilet designs changed to resemble the modern toilet with its low cistern and bowl." ||

| 1775 || || Scottish inventor {{w|Alexander Cumming}} is granted a patent for a flushing lavatory.<ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS">{{cite web|title=A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS|url=http://www.localhistories.org/toilets.html|website=localhistories.org|accessdate=4 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1778 || || English inventor {{w|Joseph Brahmah}} designs an improved flushing lavatory.<ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS"/><ref name="The Culture of Flushing: A Social and Legal History of Sewage">{{cite book|last1=Benidickson|first1=Jamie|title=The Culture of Flushing: A Social and Legal History of Sewage|url=https://books.google.com.ar/books?id=_v0WjdM6sLoC&pg=PA78&lpg=PA78&dq=%22Joseph+Bramah%22+%221778%22+%22flushing%22&source=bl&ots=GmzBmjJlF-&sig=1QjSdCYi4SXb_A6bo6WAygrQiWg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiokMLzxcPVAhWIHJAKHYljBZ4Q6AEIUjAG#v=onepage&q=%22Joseph%20Bramah%22%20%221778%22%20%22flushing%22&f=false|accessdate=6 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1789 || || {{w|Paris}} has about 26 km of sewers, and reservoirs are used to flush away the wastes blocked in the sewers.<ref name="Public baths and latrines from ancient and modern times"/> || {{w|France}}

| 1833 || || The {{w|water closet}} is first patented in the {{w|United States}}.<ref name="The Culture of Flushing: A Social and Legal History of Sewage"/> || {{w|United States}}

| 1840s || || Indoor {{w|plumbing}} is introduced, mixing human waste with water and flushing it away, eliminating the need for cesspools.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> ||

| 1842 || Publication || British social reformer {{w|Edwin Chadwick}} publishes his ''Report on an inquiry into the sanitary condition of the labouring population of Great Britain'', in which he early notes scientifically that lack of sanitation leads to disease.<ref name="Sanitation and Health Mara"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1850 || || "Earth closets are popular. When you pull a lever granulated clay from a box covers the contents of the pan."

| 1852 || || The first modern public lavatory, with flushing toilets, opens in {{w|London}}.<ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1854 || || English physician Dr {{w|John Snow}} shows that {{w|cholera}} is spread by {{w|water}}.<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1855–1860 || || The first sewer systems in the United States are built in {{w|Chicago}} and {{w|Brooklyn}}.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> || {{w|United States}}

| 1857 || || {{w|Toilet paper}} comes on sale in the United States, at first being sold in sheets.<ref name="Panati's Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things">{{cite book|last1=Panati|first1=Charles|title=Panati's Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things|url=https://books.google.com.ar/books?id=utroDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA204&lpg=PA204&dq=%22in+1857+%22+%22toilet+paper%22&source=bl&ots=TDdk_HOFCz&sig=mXuzNzOmrwyj69CIoADhBg2r4z4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi2p9GrgL7VAhXGlJAKHSFrCRk4ChDoAQhLMAc#v=onepage&q=%22in%201857%20%22%20%22toilet%20paper%22&f=false|accessdate=4 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS"/> || {{w|United States}}

| 1860 || || "1860: The first septic tank was invented by Louis Moureas and used by communities to remove solids from waste before the liquid was discharged into a body of water. This design was improved by use of trickling sand filtration from 1893."<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION"/> ||

| 1868 || || {{w|Sewage farm}}s are operated in {{w|Paris}}.<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION"/> || {{w|France}}

| 1868 || || {{w|Sewage farm}}s are operated in {{w|Berlin}}.<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION"/> || {{w|Germany}}

| 1868 || || {{w|Sewage farm}}s are operated in different parts of the {{w|United States}}.<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION"/> || {{w|United States}}

| 1870s–1920s || || {{w|Victorian England}} implements the first–ever comprehensive urban system as a reaction to a series of cholera pandemics during this epoch.<ref name="Water History for our times">{{cite web|title=Water History for our times|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002108/210879e.pdf|website=unesco.org|accessdate=3 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1879 || || William Soper uses chlorinated lime to treat the sewage produced by typhoid patients.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> ||

| 1883 || || The vacant/engaged bolt for public toilets is patented.<ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS"/> ||

| 1884 || || The first pedestal toilet bowl is made.<ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS"/> ||

| 1890 || || The first sewage treatment plant in the United States using [[w:Precipitation (chemistry)|chemical precipitation]] is built in {{w|Worcester, Massachusetts}}.<ref name="Metcalf 19142">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g5cJAAAAIAAJ&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=&f=false|title=American Sewerage Practice|last2=Eddy|first2=Harrison P.|publisher=McGraw-Hill|year=1914|isbn=|location=New York|page=|pages=|last1=Metcalf|first1=Leonard|authorlink=|accessdate=3 August 2017}} Vol. I: Design of Sewers.</ref>{{rp|2}}<ref name="Burian2">{{cite journal|last=Burian|first=Steven J.|last2=Nix|first2=Stephan J.|last3=Pitt|first3=Robert E.|last4=Durrans|first4=S. Rocky|year=2000|title=Urban Wastewater Management in the United States: Past, Present, and Future|url=http://www.sewerhistory.org/articles/whregion/urban_wwm_mgmt/urban_wwm_mgmt.pdf|journal=Journal of Urban Technology|location=London|publisher=Routledge|volume=7|issue=3|doi=10.1080/713684134}}</ref> || {{w|United States}}

| 1890 || || The first sewage treatment plant in the United States using [[w:Precipitation (chemistry)|chemical precipitation]] is built in {{w|Worcester, Massachusetts}}.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> || {{w|United States}}  

| 1892 || || English stage magician {{w|John Nevil Maskelyne}} invents the coin operated lock for toilets.<ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1894 || || German chemist {{w|Moritz Traube}} formally proposes the addition of chloride of lime (calcium hypochlorite) to water to render it "germ–free".<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> ||

| 1897 || || A large {{w|sewage farm}} is established in {{w|Melbourne}}.<ref name="SNAPSHOTS OF PUBLIC SANITATION"/> || {{w|Australia}}

| 1900 || || "In Chicago the Main Channel of the Sanitary and Sh , ip Canal opens, reversing the flow of the Chicago River. The 28-mile, 24-foot-deep, 160-foot-wide drainage canal, built between Chicago and the town of Lockport, Illinois, is designed to bring in water from Lake Michigan to dilute sewage dumped into the river from houses, farms, stockyards, and other industries. Directed by Rudolph Hering, chief engineer of the Commission on Drainage and Water Supply, the project is the largest municipal earth-moving project of the time."<ref name="Water Supply and Distribution Timeline"/> ||

| 1905 || || Serious {{w|typhid fever}} epidemic breaks out in {{w|Lincoln}} , {{w|England}}. Dr. Alexander Cruikshank Houston uses chlorination of the water to stem the epidemic. This marks the beginning of permanent water chlorination.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1906 || || German engineer {{w|Karl Imhoff}} develops the concept of what later would be named {{w|Imhoff tank}}.<ref>Karl Imhoff: ''Berufserinnerungen eines Wasseringenieurs.'' In: Karl und Klaus R. Imhoff: ''Taschenbuch der Stadtentwässerung.'' Oldenbourg, München 2007, ISBN 978-3-8356-3094-9, S. 5. [http://books.google.de/books?id=CRdVJYHdAG8C&pg=PA5&lpg=PA5&dq=%22Berufserinnerungen+eines+Wasseringenieurs%22&source=bl&ots=PUSE3agyVu&sig=O5et8T8QzJH65OQTAA7h7oSTdig&hl=de&sa=X&ei=R4MgU6ucLMHUtAbploCQDA&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22Berufserinnerungen%20eines%20Wasseringenieurs%22&f=false (online auf: ''books.google.de'')]</ref> ||

| 1912 || || Scientists at the {{w|University of Manchester}} discover the sewage treatment process of {{w|activated sludge}}.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 1913 || || "In Birmingham, England, chemists experiment with the biosolids in sewage sludge by bubbling air through wastewater and then letting the mixture settle; once solids had settled out, the water was purified. Three years later, in 1916, this activated sludge process is put into operation in Worcester, England, and in 1923 construction begins on the world’s first large-scale activated sludge plant, at Jones Island, on the shore of Lake Michigan."<ref name="Water Supply and Distribution Timeline">{{cite web|title=Water Supply and Distribution Timeline|url=http://www.greatachievements.org/?id=3610|website=greatachievements.org|accessdate=8 August 2017}}</ref> ||  

| 1914 || || "Boston engineers Leonard Metcalf and Harrison P. Eddy publish American Sewerage Practice, Volume I: Design of Sewers, which declares that working for "the best interests of the public health" is the key professional obligation of sanitary engineers. The book becomes a standard reference in the field for decades."<ref name="Water Supply and Distribution Timeline"/> ||

| 1928 || || {{w|Toilet paper}} is first sold in rolls in Europe.<ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS"/> || {{w|Europe}}

| 1942 || || Soft toilet paper comes on sale.<ref name="A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOILETS"/> ||

| 1951 || || {{w|Water fluoridation}} becomes an official policy of the {{w|United States Public Health Service}}. By 1960, water fluoridation would become widely used in the country, reaching about 50 million people.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/>  || {{w|United States}}

| 1953 || || {{w|Water fluoridation}} is introduced in {{w|Brazil}}. By 2004 71% of the population would have access to it.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/> || {{w|Brazil}}

| 1955 || || " Ductile cast-iron pipe becomes the industry standard. Ductile cast-iron pipe, developed in 1948, is used in water distribution systems. It becomes the industry standard for metal due to its superior strength, durability, and reliability over cast iron. The pipe is used to transport potable water, sewage, and fuel, and is also used in fire-fighting systems."<ref name="Water Supply and Distribution Timeline"/> ||

| 1981–1990 || || The [[w:International Drinking Water Decade, 1981–90|International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade]] is launched by the {{w|United Nations}} to bring attention and support for clean water and sanitation worldwide.

<ref name="">{{cite web|title=International Decade for Clean Drinking Water, 1981-1990|url=http://www.gdrc.org/uem/water/decade_05-15/first-decade.html|website=gdrc.org|accessdate=22 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="WATER AND SANITATION IN UNICEF 1946-1986">{{cite web|title=WATER AND SANITATION IN UNICEF 1946-1986|url=https://www.unicef.org/about/history/files/CF-HST-MON-1987-008-water-sanitation-1946-86-mono-VIII.pdf|website=unicef.org|accessdate=22 August 2017}}</ref> ||

| 1990 || || The WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation  and Hygiene (JMP) starts producing regular estimates of national, regional and global  progress on drinking water, sanitation and  hygiene (WASH).<ref name="Progress on  Drinking Water,  Sanitation and Hygiene 2017">{{cite web|title=Progress on  Drinking Water,  Sanitation and Hygiene 2017|url=http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/258617/1/9789241512893-eng.pdf?ua=1|website=who.int|accessdate=8 August 2017}}</ref> ||

| 1990–2015 || Statistics || The proportion of the population practising open defecation in {{w|Ethiopia}} decreases from 92% in 1990 to 29% in 2015.<ref name="Access to clean water and sanitation around the world – mapped">{{cite web|last1=Purvis|first1=Katherine|title=Access to clean water and sanitation around the world – mapped|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/jul/01/global-access-clean-water-sanitation-mapped|website=theguardian.com|accessdate=22 August 2017}}</ref> || {{w|Ethiopia}}

| 2000 || || 1229 million people worldwide practice {{w|open defecation}}.<ref name="Progress on  Drinking Water,  Sanitation and Hygiene 2017">{{cite web|title=Progress on  Drinking Water,  Sanitation and Hygiene 2017|url=http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/258617/1/9789241512893-eng.pdf?ua=1|website=who.int|accessdate=8 August 2017}}</ref> ||

| 2001 || || The {{w|World Toilet Organization}} is founded as a global non-profit organization with the claimed commitment to improve toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide. Since its foundation with 15 members, the World Toilet Organization would grow to include 151 member organizations in 53 countries.<ref name="World Toilet Organization">{{cite web|title=World Toilet Organization|url=http://worldtoilet.org/who-we-are/our-story/|website=worldtoilet.org|accessdate=23 August 2017}}</ref> ||

| 2007 || || Readers of the {{w|British Medical Journal}} vote {{w|sanitation}} as the most important medical milestone since 1840.<ref name="Sanitation and Health Mara"/> || {{w|United Kingdom}}

| 2008 || || The Prime Minister of India, quoting Mahatma Gandhi, says declares that “sanitation is more important than independence”.<ref name="Sanitation and Health Mara">{{cite journal|last1=Mara|first1=Duncan|last2=Lane|first2=Jon|last3=Scott|first3=Beth|last4=Trouba|first4=David|title=Sanitation and Health|journal=PLoS Med|doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000363|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2981586/|accessdate=22 August 2017|pmc=2981586}}</ref> || {{w|India}}

| 2010 || || A mobile robotic toilet is released. Meant for physically disabled people, the device approaches the person upon request. Once used, the toilet automatically rolls back to the station to clean itself. It includes a bidet and hair dryer function.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robotic toilet maintains personal hygiene as the sick attends nature’s call|url=http://www.designbuzz.com/robotic-toilet-maintains-personal-hygiene-as-the-sick-attends-nature-s-call/|website=designbuzz.com|accessdate=23 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Automatic Nature Call: Mobile Robotic Toilet|url=http://walyou.com/blog/2010/10/29/mobile-robotic-toilet/|website=walyou.com|accessdate=23 August 2017}}</ref> ||

| 2010 (28 July) || || The {{w|Human Right to Water and Sanitation}} is recognized as a {{w|human right}} by the {{w|United Nations General Assembly}}.<ref name=HRWS>{{cite web|title=Resolution 64/292: The human right to water and sanitation|url=https://www.un.org/es/comun/docs/?symbol=A/RES/64/292&lang=E|website=United Nations|accessdate=8 July 2017|date=August 2010}}</ref> ||

| 2013 || || The {{w|World Toilet Organization}} achieves a milestone in global sanitation movement when 122 countries co-sponsor a United Nations resolution tabled by the Singapore government to designate 19 November, World Toilet Day as an official United Nations day. The same year, the World Toilet Organization is granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.<ref name="World Toilet Organization"/><ref>{{cite web|title=What is World Toilet Day?|url=http://wtd.unwater.org/2017/|website=unwater.org|accessdate=23 August 2017}}</ref> ||

| 2011 || || The {{w|Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation}} starts the “reinvent the toilet challenge” campaign.<ref name="Ensuring Sustainability of Non-Networked Sanitation Technologies: An Approach to Standardization">{{cite web|last1=Starkl|first1=Markus|last2=Brunner|first2=Norbert|last3=Feil|first3=Magdalena|last4=Hauser|first4=Andreas|title=Ensuring Sustainability of Non-Networked Sanitation Technologies: An Approach to Standardization|url=http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.5b00887|website=acs.org|accessdate=22 August 2017}}</ref> ||

| 2015 || || The {{w|Sustainable Development Goals}} are formulated, including targets on access to water supply and sanitation at a global level.<ref name="FLUORIDATED WATER CONTROVERSY"/>  892 million people practice {{w|open defecation}} (down from 1229 million in 2000).<ref name="Progress on  Drinking Water,  Sanitation and Hygiene 2017"/>  ||

| 2015 || Statistics || About 32−36% of the global population is estimated to lack household-level access to safe water or hygienic toilets.<ref name="Ensuring Sustainability of Non-Networked Sanitation Technologies: An Approach to Standardization"/> ||