Joseph Bazalgette was a British civil engineer born in 1819, best known for designing London's modern sewer system. His work was crucial in addressing the city's severe sanitation issues during the 19th century, particularly after the Great Stink of 1858, which highlighted the dangers of untreated sewage. Bazalgette's innovative design included a network of sewers that directed waste away from the Thames River, significantly improving public health. His contributions laid the foundation for modern urban sanitation systems, influencing engineering practices worldwide and earning him recognition as a pioneer in public health engineering.