AWWA WQTC69237

This powerpoint presentation begins by providing study objectives that include the following: an assessment of the people, places and events that led to the first continuous use of chlorine on a drinking water supply; and, a comparison of issues and concerns with water disinfection in 1908 with those of the present. A brief overview of waterborne disease and public health in the United States is presented, along with a study on water disinfection presented by George Whipple at AWWA's 1906 Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. John L. Leal is introduced as (among other things) the Paterson City (New Jersey) Physician - 1886, the Paterson Health Officer - 1892-1899, and the Sanitary Supervisor of the East Jersey Water Co. - 1897-98. A chronology of the development of the water supply for Jersey City is provided, mentioning the original 1899 contract to build the Boonton Reservoir, the hiring of Dr. John L. Leal to supervise the watershed above Boonton Reservoir and remove sources of contamination, and the completion in 1904 of the Boonton Dam and the water supply pipeline to Jersey City. The presentation outlines a 1905 lawsuit over a contract between Jersey City vs. Jersey City Water Supply for providing a water supply that was "pure and wholesome," and a subsequent 2nd trial in 1909 that highlights concerns with chlorine then and now. Positions of plaintiffs and defendants are provided, along with the judge's opinion and final decree, construction of a sterilization plant at Boonton, the use of chloride of lime at the plant, and an overview of the chlorination process. The questioning of Dr. Leal's decision to chlorinate Jersey City's water supply is discussed, along with the legacy of Jersey City's use of chloride of lime, and the 1974 induction of John L. Leal into the AWWA Water Industry Hall of Fame. Includes 6 references.