Final answer:
Philadelphia enhanced its access to clean running water by controlling stream flows with underground pipes, part of a broader trend of historic urban infrastructure development focused on public health and growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address the issue of ensuring access to clean running water, Philadelphia did not opt for temporary solutions such as purchasing water from other cities or advising residents to mix salt with their water. Instead, the historical context suggests that cities of the past, including Philadelphia, made significant infrastructure changes to support the public well-being. Notably, the development of water systems often involved harnessing natural water sources and directing them through engineered solutions to ensure the availability of clean water to residents.
Philadelphia took steps to gain control over its water sources and enhance public health by manipulating its stream flows through the construction of underground pipes. This development formed part of a broader trend in infrastructure advancement seen in various metropolises, wherein cities built complex water distribution systems. Such systems were crucial for providing access to potable water, which, in turn, played a significant role in advancing public health and supporting urban growth.