Anniversary

I n a Journal AWWA article published in 2006, the history of disinfection in the United States was explored in the context of eight revolutions representing major milestones in the protection of the public from waterborne diseases (McGuire, 2006). Included in the account of the first revolution was a short description of how Dr. John L. Leal conceived and implemented the first continuous use of chlorine in a US drink-ing water supply. At the beginning of the 20th century, it took a court dispute and a legal deadline to clear away the objections and to apply what was until then only an experimental treatment method in the United States.... John L. Leal, a sanitary advisor to the contractor, advised the use of ‘chloride of lime. ’ The Boonton chlorination plant began operations September 26, 1908. For the first time in the United States, chlorine was used for disinfection on a large scale and as part of a permanent installation for drinking water treatment. (McGuire, 2006) Thanks to the foresight and courage of Dr. John L. Leal, 2014 marks the 106th anniversary of the first continuous use of chlorine in a US water supply—the longest period of water disinfection anywhere in the world