A consequence of the industrial revolution was the rapid and massive growth of the population of towns and cities. Speculators were keen to provide housing, with little or no thought given to sanitation. The provision of continuous water supplies, adequate disposal of sewage and refuse, paving and cleaning of streets, and dealing with the problem of atmospheric pollution, all lagged far behind what was required.

This section currently covers a variety of aspects of sanitation, including systems, equipment, and 'heroes and villains' who promoted and resisted improvements in sanitation. Water supplies which addressed separately, in the Waterworks category.