Wretched Water Woes
Contaminated Water Sources
Access to clean water was a significant issue in the Wild West. Rivers and streams were often polluted with animal waste, and wells could be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. People drank from these sources without any form of purification, leading to widespread illnesses like dysentery and cholera. Drinking water was a gamble, and losing meant a trip to the outhouse—if you had one.
The Bathing Dilemma
Bathing was a rare event, sometimes occurring only a few times a year. When people did bathe, it was often in the same water used by the entire family, starting with the oldest and ending with the youngest. By the time it was the baby’s turn, the water was more mud than liquid. This infrequent and communal bathing practice ensured that any germs or dirt present were generously shared among family members.
