Abel Wolman
Encyclopedia
Abel Wolman was an American inventor, scientist, professor and pioneer of modern sanitary engineering
. His work in supplying clean water spanned eight decades.
in 1909, got a B.A.
from the Johns Hopkins University
in 1913 and then a B.S. in engineering from Hopkins in 1915. From 1914 to 1939, Wolman worked for the Maryland State Department of Health, serving as Chief Engineer from 1922 to 1939. It was during his early years there that he made his most important contribution. Working in cooperation with chemist Linn Enslow, he standardized the methods used to chlorinate
Baltimore's drinking-water supply. His efforts there helped develop the plan for Baltimore's water supply so thoroughly and effectively that it remains well-provided for growth through the 21st century. His work also benefited water systems in New York, Detroit and Columbus, Ohio. A collection of his writings has been published: Water, Health and Society, Selected Papers.
Wolman taught for many years on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University, where he established the Department of Sanitary Engineering in 1937. He served as the department's chairman until his official retirement in 1962. In May, 1966 the university named a newly-acquired dormitory Wolman Hall in his honor.
Wolman became Editor of the American Water Works Association's Journal AWWA in 1919 and was responsible for making it into a monthly publication in 1924. The Association presents the Abel Wolman Award of Excellence each year to recognize those whose careers in the water works industry exemplify vision, creativity, and excellent professional performance characteristic of Wolman's long and productive career.
In 1986, the City of Baltimore renamed its public works building, the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, honoring his years of service to the city. Today, the Abel Wolman building is where citizens of Baltimore come to pay their property taxes, parking fines and metered water bills.http://baltimorecity.gov/news//press/030925b.html
Wolman's son, M. Gordon "Reds" Wolman, was an eminent geomorphologist who was also on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University. M. Gordon Wolman was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and an expert on water resources, public health, and geography. Reds was the founder and for 20 years the Chairman of the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University. He was also known for inventing a technique for evaluating grain-size distribution in riverbeds, known as the Wolman Pebble Count, which has helped geomorphologist to understand flooding, sedimentation, and other physical impacts to a stream.
Sanitary engineering
Sanitary engineering is the application of engineering methods to improve sanitation of human communities, primarily by providing the removal and disposal of human waste, and in addition to the supply of safe potable water. Initially in the mid 19th century, the discipline concentrated on the...
. His work in supplying clean water spanned eight decades.
Background
Wolman was born, grew up, was educated, lived and died in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the Baltimore City CollegeBaltimore City College
The Baltimore City College , also referred to as The Castle on the Hill, historically as The College, and most commonly City, is a public high school in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A. The City College curriculum includes the International Baccalaureate Programme and emphasizes study in the classics...
in 1909, got a B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
from the Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
The Johns Hopkins University, commonly referred to as Johns Hopkins, JHU, or simply Hopkins, is a private research university based in Baltimore, Maryland, United States...
in 1913 and then a B.S. in engineering from Hopkins in 1915. From 1914 to 1939, Wolman worked for the Maryland State Department of Health, serving as Chief Engineer from 1922 to 1939. It was during his early years there that he made his most important contribution. Working in cooperation with chemist Linn Enslow, he standardized the methods used to chlorinate
Chlorination
Chlorination is the process of adding the element chlorine to water as a method of water purification to make it fit for human consumption as drinking water...
Baltimore's drinking-water supply. His efforts there helped develop the plan for Baltimore's water supply so thoroughly and effectively that it remains well-provided for growth through the 21st century. His work also benefited water systems in New York, Detroit and Columbus, Ohio. A collection of his writings has been published: Water, Health and Society, Selected Papers.
Wolman taught for many years on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University, where he established the Department of Sanitary Engineering in 1937. He served as the department's chairman until his official retirement in 1962. In May, 1966 the university named a newly-acquired dormitory Wolman Hall in his honor.
Wolman became Editor of the American Water Works Association's Journal AWWA in 1919 and was responsible for making it into a monthly publication in 1924. The Association presents the Abel Wolman Award of Excellence each year to recognize those whose careers in the water works industry exemplify vision, creativity, and excellent professional performance characteristic of Wolman's long and productive career.
In 1986, the City of Baltimore renamed its public works building, the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, honoring his years of service to the city. Today, the Abel Wolman building is where citizens of Baltimore come to pay their property taxes, parking fines and metered water bills.http://baltimorecity.gov/news//press/030925b.html
Wolman's son, M. Gordon "Reds" Wolman, was an eminent geomorphologist who was also on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University. M. Gordon Wolman was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and an expert on water resources, public health, and geography. Reds was the founder and for 20 years the Chairman of the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University. He was also known for inventing a technique for evaluating grain-size distribution in riverbeds, known as the Wolman Pebble Count, which has helped geomorphologist to understand flooding, sedimentation, and other physical impacts to a stream.
List of Honors
- Albert Lasker Public Service AwardMary Woodard Lasker Award for Public ServiceThe Mary Woodard Lasker Award for Public Service is awarded by the Lasker Foundation. It was previously known as the Albert Lasker Public Service Award, but was renamed in 2000 in honour of his wife. Past Winners include:*2009 Michael Bloomberg...
, 1960 - National Medal of ScienceNational Medal of ScienceThe National Medal of Science is an honor bestowed by the President of the United States to individuals in science and engineering who have made important contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the fields of behavioral and social sciences, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and...
, 1974 - Tyler Prize for Environmental AchievementTyler Prize for Environmental AchievementThe Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement is an award for environmental science, environmental health and energy. Tyler Laureates receive a $200,000 annual prize and a gold medallion...
, 1976 - Robert E. Horton MedalRobert E. Horton MedalThe Robert E. Horton Medal is given out by the American Geophysical Union to recognize "outstanding contributions to the geophysical aspects of hydrology". The award was created in 1974 and named after Robert E. Horton to honor his contributions to the study of the hydrologic cycle. The Horton...
, 1986