Final answer:
The Ancient Roman water management and sanitation system included aqueducts and sewers, which were significant advances for their time despite contributing to pollution. This contrasted with the loss of advancements in later periods and showcased how modern technology can recycle water, even urine, for re-use in places like the International Space Station.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Ancient Rome, innovative engineering techniques were developed to meet the water demands of a growing population. This included the construction of aqueducts to bring fresh water into cities, and a complex sewer system that disposed of waste by directing it into the Tiber River. Though this system was ahead of its time, it was not without drawbacks, as it led to the pollution of the river. The wealthiest households were connected to this sewer system, while others made use of public latrines or emptied chamber pots onto the streets.
Despite the sanitary issues associated with this early system, the infrastructure did contribute to better hygiene overall in comparison to later periods, like the Middle Ages in Europe, where such advancements were lost. The Roman approach to water and engineering was indeed an early precursor to modern sanitation systems.
In contrast, modern efforts to recycle water, such as on the International Space Station, show how vital water is and how advanced technology can allow us to reuse water for drinking after undergoing rigorous purification processes, including the recycling of urine. These historical and modern examples highlight the ongoing challenges and advances in water management and sanitation engineering.