A deep dive into histories large and small of the public waterworks in the world's three largest cities circa 1900.

Two hundred years ago, we each used the equivalent of one bucket of water a day, filled at a river, well, or fountain. Today, 140 liters pour from our faucets daily, for our domestic use. The distribution of water to private residences became widespread in the 19th centiry, thanks to private companies that created and used the first networks in Europe and the United States. But as this service became essential and universal, princely figures came to replace innovative entrepreneurs. Christophe Defeuilley retraces the histories of water as a public utility in three cities—Paris, London, and New York—bringing technological feats, colorful characters, dramas, and farces to vivid life.