You enjoy the luxury of modern plumbing, but how does clean water get to your house? A brief history of wastewater treatment in the US may help explain the process. The infrastructure didn’t pop up overnight: wastewater treatment has existed for centuries, and it is an ever-evolving and necessary science. Find out how and why we started treating our wastewater.
The 1800s
Throughout the 1800s, the United States’ population grew from about five million to 75 million people. To prevent disease and clean up the streets, some communities started to replace pits and ditches with underground pipes. One million people had access to a sewer system by 1860.
Different treatment plants across the country tried different methods. In 1899, the Refuse Act was the first regulation of sewage. It prohibited people from discharging solid matter into waterways.
The 1900s
By 1900, 25 million people had access to a sewer system, and 60 different sewage treatment plants served the country. During this century, the quick development of the modern wastewater treatment system rapidly evolved. Engineers came up with ways to remove solid matter, implemented a chlorination process, and more. Further, during this period, there was more government regulation and funding of treatment plants. By 1960, 50 percent of the US population had access to wastewater treatment.
The Modern-Day
As more people have access to sewage treatment, biosolids, known as sludge, build up quicker at wastewater plants. You can use biosolids as natural gas, or they can get thrown away. Plant operators use wastewater flow meters to track the amount of waste coming through their facility. The data helps them determine how much sludge will result. Higher standards for clean water demand that plants remove all particles before the water can return to the system.
We are lucky to live in the modern-day when most people have access to wastewater treatment. Share a brief history of wastewater treatment in the US with your peers to enlighten your friends and family about how they get clean water.
Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday sit side by side on the calendar, but they feel very different.
One is full of color, music, and celebration. The other is quiet, simple, and reflective.
Together, they form a powerful transition from feasting to fasting, from Carnival to Lent.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
