... photosynthesis, wave action, or other natural means. The microorganisms instead deplete the oxygen of the receiving waters, doing grave harm to other living things in the water. According to the ... network in the United States was installed after the Second World War, and pipes installed at the beginning of this wave of installation are now reaching the end of their useful life—a point at ... of drinking and recreational waterborne diseases in humans in the United States. In the spring of 1993 in Milwaukee, municipal drinking water that was within bacterial standards was contaminated...