b) Water and sewage system improvements

During the Progressive Era, a major public health initiative that gained momentum was the improvement of water and sewage systems in urban areas. The rapid industrialization and urbanization had led to overcrowded cities with poor sanitation, contributing to frequent outbreaks of diseases like cholera and typhoid. Progressive reformers recognized the critical need for clean water and proper waste disposal to ensure public health. Significant investments were made in building and upgrading water treatment and sewage facilities, dramatically reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases. This focus on public health infrastructure marked a key shift towards more proactive and scientifically informed approaches to urban health and sanitation, greatly improving the quality of life in American cities.