Final answer:
After World War I, the focus on sanitary services grew significantly, with improvements in the supply of clean water and waste management contributing to public health. The development of water pipes, flush toilets, and sewer systems helped reduce waterborne diseases and improve urban living conditions. London's sewer overhaul post-The Great Stink exemplifies the historical engineering efforts towards sanitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
After World War I, sanitary services became a critical focus for urban centers aiming to provide clean water and effectively manage waste disposal. Developments in sanitation played a significant role in enhancing the well-being, comfort, and health of individuals across various social classes. The advent of water pipes enabled the convenient supply of fresh water from rural areas to urban spaces, especially into the homes of the wealthy and middle-income families. This access to clean water considerably lessened the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Mass-produced bathroom fixtures and the implementation of flush toilets and extensive sewer systems contributed to the increased sanitation in homes, streets, and entire cities.
Historically, poor sanitation was a direct consequence of suboptimal urban planning, with clean water being a scarcity largely available to the affluent. Unregulated open sewers in streets carried an array of waste, leading to rampant diseases and health crises like The Great Stink of 1858 in London, which eventually prompted significant governmental intervention and the overhaul of the city's sewerage system by Joseph Bazalgette. Such historical events highlight the critical relationship between urban planning, engineering advancements, and public health.