Final answer:
Public concern about water quality has been present throughout history, with instances such as the Great Stink in London in the mid-1840s and the pollution of the Cuyahoga River in 1969 highlighting the negative consequences of water pollution. Gallup polls show that water pollution and water supply are consistently ranked as top environmental concerns by Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Public concern about water quality has been present throughout history, with various examples demonstrating the negative impact of pollution on human health and the environment. In the mid-1840s, London experienced a major water pollution crisis known as the Great Stink, caused by untreated sewage in the Thames River. This event led to cholera outbreaks and highlighted the need for better sanitation practices.Another significant event occurred in 1969 when the Cuyahoga River in Ohio caught fire due to extreme pollution. This event drew national attention and raised public awareness about water pollution and its detrimental effects.In recent times, Gallup polls have shown that Americans consistently rank water pollution and water supply as top environmental concerns. Chemical pollution from various sources further adds to the global water quality crisis.