Some recent incidents within the Berlin water system give this article an unwelcome sense of relevance and urgency.
A Spring in Every Kitchen
https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/how-water-system-works
While the technology for providing clean #water has existed for thousands of years, the biggest obstacle to reliable water access has been political will and effective governance. The article traces the history of water infrastructure from ancient cities to modern systems, highlighting how even advanced societies have struggled with issues like corruption, inefficiency, and neglect when it comes to maintaining and upgrading water systems.
Despite the critical importance of clean water, governments have historically been unwilling to invest the necessary resources until crises arise. The article warns that many developed countries now face looming water infrastructure disasters due to aging pipes and treatment plants unless more priority is placed on water systems by policymakers and the public.
unpaywalled version: https://share.evernote.com/note/030dd5a5-5926-4905-802a-fb2086691336
#economics #PublicPolicy #utilities
