Water and Waste Water Management

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

200 hours

Admission to post graduate studies in Engineering OR

421-640 Water Supply and Waste Water Management

OR

421-605 Managing Water Borne Risks

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

AIMS

In this subject students will learn about the fundamentals of water quality and the associated standards for use as potable water, recycled water or discharge into the environment in a sustainable manner. The subject will include the identification of risks and measures to control those risks and various treatment processes including physical, chemical and microbiological treatment of water and wastewater. The concept of integrated water management will be introduced and reinforced in the group based project work throughout the semester. Students will learn about the systems for water reclamation and reuse. This subject builds on a range of student’s general knowledge of water systems engineering that is developed in subjects like Systems Modelling and Design and builds on general knowledge of chemistry and biology. It is also assumed that students have developed skills on identifying and sourcing information, and can effectively work as a team to solve larger problems.

Graduates from this subject may apply the skills developed in the water supply, waste water treatment, or water sensitive urban design areas.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

This subject covers theoretical and practical management aspects of sustainable water supply and treatment, wastewater treatment and reuse. Specific topics include:

• Integrated water management
• Risk identification and management for water services
• Water quality guidelines, regulations and performance criteria for treatment plant design
• Water treatment processes and waste disposal
• Wastewater treatment - physical, chemical and biological treatment technologies
• Systems for water reclamation and reuse.

The students will produce a conceptual design of a water and wastewater treatment system for a small town.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Interpret raw and treated water quality data to assess its suitability for potential use in potable or recycled water supply systems and the environment
2. Interpret water quality guidelines and regulations to set water quality targets and performance criteria for treatment plant design
3. Assess the need for water treatment, describe suitable water treatment processes and develop a water quality management plan
4. Conduct a water quality risk assessment and propose a rational approach to water treatment process design providing “multiple barriers” to mitigate identified risks
5. Appreciate practical issues such as flow and energy losses of water in pipes, variability of feed water (raw water) quality; water treatment process constraints; and cost implications
6. Integrate a water treatment facility within a water supply system
7. Knowledge of various treatment techniques for water, wastewater and recycled water.

• A group assignment task (15%) totalling 3000 words, due at week 6 of semester, requiring approximately 15 -20 hours of work per student. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 3 are addressed in thie assignment
• A group assignment task (35%) totalling 6000 words, due at week 11 of semester, requiring approximately 45-50 hours of work per student. ILOs 4 to 6 are addressed in the assignment
• One 2-hour examination (50%) held in the examination period. ILOs 1 to 7 are addressed in the examination.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
• Understanding of social, cultural, global, and environmental responsibilities and the need to employ principles of sustainable development
• Capacity for creativity and innovation
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them
• Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development
• Work effectively in a team.

LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

The subject is based on presentations by experienced industry professionals who present the lectures and case studies. The subject also involves problem based learning by doing a group project on conceptual design of integrated water and wastewater treatment plan.

INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

1. John C. Crittenden, R. Rhodes Trussell, David W. Hand, Kerry J. Howe, George Tchobanoglous, MWH's Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd Edition, ISBN: 978-0-470-40539-0, Hardcover, 1920 pages, March 2012
2. Wastewater Engineering by Metcalf & Eddy

CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

Presenters from water industry deliver the lectures and case studies with focus on industry problems. Students’ learning is enhanced by problem based learning and by completing a concept design of an integrated water and wastewater management project. Site visits are undertaken to enhance students understanding of operating environment of a water treatment plant and sewage treatment plant and recycled water treatment plant. The subject provides industry exposure and prepares students well for their career and work in professional engineering world.