IWE-30306 Water Systems Design at Catchment Level

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Irrigation system design and operation, Field practical Spain

Contents:

This advanced course focuses on the needs and repercussions of irrigation activities in the context of river basins. Based on a water systems perspective, the course will deal with water regulation and allocation at the interface of irrigation and river basin management. The contents can vary from year to year depending on developments in the profession and interests of students. For the coming year it is foreseen that the following issues will be studied:
- water systems and river basins: concepts and approaches;
- methods to inventory water systems in a river basin;
- irrigation system versus river basin efficiencies in relation to water scarcity;
- more crop per drop and water system modernisation.
Based on the analysis of these issues, students will reflect and write a report on the design and management of water systems with due attention for the repercussions on wider water management at river basin level. This report will be presented for further discussion in a workshop type of setting with invited experts.

Aims:

After the course the student will:
- be able to indicate current challenges to irrigation in the context of river basin management;
- have gained an understanding of the relationship between irrigation activities and river basin management in conditions of water scarcity;
- appreciate the implications of irrigation system versus basin efficiencies for irrigation modernization approaches;
- be able to translate acquired insights into the design of water systems;
- have further developed the academic skill to present and defend own ideas and working methods;
- have improved their reporting skills.

Activities:

The course consists of lectures, self-study, and workshop type of sessions to be prepared by students on the basis of literature research. In addition, students will work in groups to write a report water systems design.

Examination:

Average of a written exam and the group report, both with a minimum score of 4.5.

Literature:

The course reader will be made available at the beginning of the course.