Check Out @CaptDocMike at 'This Day in Water History' and 'Safedrinkingwater.com'

In case you're wondering about @CaptDocMike, that is the Twitter nom de plume of Dr. Michael J. McGuire, environmental engineer extraordinaire (member of the National Academy of Engineering) and safe drinking water guru. And I do mean guru!

I first met him when we both served on a National Research Council committee a few years ago. Smart guy!

I did not know he was blogging and Tweeting until just a few weeks ago.

McGuire blogs at This Day in Water History (fascinating!) and safedrinkingwater.com (ditto!). He's had a distinguished career working for private industry and agencies - MWD, most recently, after which he founded Michael J. McGuire, Inc. 

He is an accomplished writer as well. His most recent book, The Chlorine Revolution: Water Disinfection and the Fight to Save Lives, will be published by AWWA in Spring 2013. Read about it here.

A brief description:

The Chlorine Revolution is about a courageous physician and his partnership with the greatest sanitary engineer of the time to plan, build and operate the first, large-scale drinking water disinfection system in the U.S. It is also about a court case that extended over two trials (1906-10) that pitted engineering and scientific experts of the day against one another. The verdict approving the use of chlorine for the Jersey City water supply caused an explosion of its use, which led to the conquest of waterborne disease in the U.S. 

Like me, you'll find his electronic sites informative. Give him a read - you'll be glad you did.

I am reminded of this quote that an engineering colleague of mine told me many years ago. The exact quote escapes me, but it is something like this:

"The next time you want to give thanks for the good health we enjoy in the USA, thank an engineer, not a physician." 

Comments

[PAUL F MILLER]

CHLORINE USE AND THE CONQUEST OF WATERBORNE DISEASE … a profound statement and in light of health issues related to the use of chlorine is unfounded … Oh, yes, chlorine does KILL bacteria along with all other useful organisms and ingredient useful in promoting and sustaining the health of man – plants – animals … “big chemical” is surely proud of this ringing endorsement … when can we expect this author promoting the value of FLUORIDE in our water too …