Water infrastructure and health in U.S. cities

Between 1900 and 1930 typhoid fever other waterborne diseases were largely eradicated from U.S. cities. This achievement required a mix of technological, scientific, economic, bureaucratic innovations. article examines how the interaction those forces influenced water sanitary infrastructure provision during 19th early 20th centuries. I document sharp link between investments declines in disease discuss that relationship informs methodological approaches one should use to assess impact on urban development. Finally, review literature social returns eliminating threat disease. The evidence suggests benefits investment far exceeded costs.