But it wasn't until an outbreak of yellow fever reached its peak in 1798, that a group of people decided to take action. Unsanitary conditions prompted concern about the spread of disease. Most New Yorkers had no easy access to clean water. By the end of the 18th century, there were close to 60,000 people living in New York City. Rachel: You might be surprised to find out that JPMorgan Chase began by supplying water to Lower Manhattan.
