Today is World Plumbing Day! It is designed to raise awareness about the important role plumbing plays in our society, protecting public health. We take many things for granted such as clean drinking water, flushing toilets and showers. Many developing countries have simplistic or non-existent plumbing. Over a billion people do not have access to safe water supplies or sanitation, and millions die each year from water-related illnesses. You may have never given plumbing much thought before. But I hope you will now. And there are two newer nonfiction books that are a perfect match for today's "holiday".
The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem by Colleen Paeff (Aug 2021)
It’s the summer of 1858, and London’s River Thames STINKS. What is creating this revolting smell? The answer is gross: the river is full of poop. But the smell isn’t the worst problem. Every few years, cholera breaks out, and thousands of people die. Could there be a connection between the foul water and the deadly disease? One engineer dreams of making London a cleaner, healthier place. His name is Joseph Bazalgette. His grand plan to create a new sewer system to clean the river is an engineering marvel. And his sewers will save lives. Nothing stinky about that. With tips for how to prevent pollution today, this fascinating look at science, history, and what one person can do to create change will impress and astound readers who want to help make their planet a cleaner, happier place to live.
"Smelly" Kelly and His Super Senses: How James Kelly's Nose Saved the New York City Subway by Beth Anderson (Oct 2020)
James Kelly smelled EVERYTHING: rats in the shed; circus elephants a mile away; tomorrow’s rain. His sense of smell was EXTRAORDINARY. But what good was a powerful nose? How could his super-sniffer make him special? In the New York City subway, James found his calling–and earned the nickname “Smelly” Kelly. Armed with his super-sniffer and the tools he invented, he tracked down leaks from the dangerous to the disgusting, from the comical to the bizarre. Then, he sprang into action to prevent cave-ins and explosions in the tunnels beneath the city. Smelly Kelly not only hunted leaks but also saved lives–and he discovered the truly extraordinary power inside him.
