With respect to healthy urban living, the early nineteenth century was a low point. Infectious diseases such as chicken pox and measles caused widespread death and despair. Cholera, too, claimed thousands of lives.

As cities became more crowded and dirtier, diseases could spread with ease. The government, citizens and experts had to band together intensively to tackle this problem.

The construction of public water and sewage systems were vital improvements.

Building a sewage system in Zadelstraat near the Dom Tower in 1960, Photo: Het Utrechts Archief.