Hard Water: Politics and Water Supply in Milwaukee, 1870-1995 (History of Technology Series) [Hardcover]

Kate Foss-Mollan (Author)

Book Description

Series: History of Technology Series | Publication Date: December 1, 2001

This work examines formation, growth, and change in the Water Department of Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1870-1995. It combines areas of history, technology, politics, and policy-making in an effort to understand how municipal decision-making processes determine technological determinations throughout the history of Water Works. It also discusses how poor communication between technical specialists and policy makers resulted in delays in decision-making as well as in poor construction choices. The turbulent history covers the struggle to supply a filtration plant, which was deeply rooted in differences between political parties; accommodation of suburban demands for services of municipal supply; and the cryptosporidium crisis of 1993, along with the history, maps, tables, and charts are also contained within.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 218 pages
• Publisher: Purdue University Press (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557531951
• ISBN-13: 978-1557531957
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #908,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spans over a century with an eye-opening account, February 6, 2002

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hard Water: Politics and Water Supply in Milwaukee, 1870-1995 (History of Technology Series) (Hardcover)

Hard Water: Politics And Water Supply In Milwaukee, 1870-1995 by educator and urban studies specialist Kate Foss-Mollan is the documented and historical account of the water supply of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Foss-Mollan blends urban history, technology, biology, research, and political science into a remarkably intriguing and informative saga. From conflicts over supplying poor neighborhoods to partisan debates regarding the necessity of a filtration plant, Hard Water spans over a century with an eye-opening account of the wrangling, machinations, and more all about a seemingly simple drink of water. Very highly recommended for American urban studies reading lists.