IWE-30306 Water Systems Design at Catchment Level

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures24
Literature study
Tutorial34
Course coordinator(s)dr. D Joshi
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. FP Huibers
prof. dr. LF Vincent
dr. ir. JD Hoogesteger Van Dijk
ir GH van Vuren
dr. D Joshi
Examiner(s)prof. dr. LF Vincent

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

IWE-30206 Irrigation system design and operation

Contents:

This course focuses on the needs and repercussions of irrigation activities in the context of river basins. Based on a water systems perspective, the course deals 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. In the coming academic year the following issues will be studied:
- water allocation and river basins: concepts and approaches;
- groundwater assessment and management in a basin context;
- wastewater irrigation: design and governance.
Based on the analysis of these issues, students will reflect and write reports on the design and management of water systems with due attention for the repercussions on wider water management at river basin level.

Learning outcomes:

After the course the participants are expected to be able to:
- indicate current challenges to irrigation in the context of river basin management;
- analyse the relationship between irrigation activities and river basin management in conditions of water scarcity;
- compare different surface water rights doctrines and water allocation mechanisms;
- describe basic terms and analytical methods relating to aquifer water yields and water quality, and groundwater management and development;
- assess basic design features of wells and pumps, and the operation of groundwater-based irrigation systems;
- understand contemporary frameworks to study change processes and management of groundwater resources;
- understand and participate in the debate on wastewater management; knowing the pros and cons of large scale versus decentralized treatment plants and effects of wastewater return flows on basin efficiencies;
- argue the role of wastewater irrigation as a livelihood approach and the potential of safe and productive wastewater irrigation;
- understand the urban watershed approach, linked to growing cities and the importance of a reverse wastewater design approach;
- argue the importance of wastewater governance and multi-stakeholder platforms; and
- present and defend own ideas and working methods, in writing and in front of audiences.

Activities:

The course consists of an introduction (3 contact hours) and three blocks of 52 hours each. Each block will consist of a mixture of teaching methods, consisting of lectures (7 contact hours) and guided coursework (17 contact hours). The remaining 29 hours are for reading, assignments and self-study.

Examination:

In each block, students will work individually and/or in groups on an assignment / exam that will be graded. Each assignment has to be graded mark 5 or above. The average grade of the three assignments will make up the final grade.

Literature:

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

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: MILInternational Land and Water ManagementMScC: Integrated Water Management4WD
Restricted Optional for: MILInternational Land and Water ManagementMScB: Irrigation and Water Management4WD