Module Identifier EAM1820  
Module Title THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE, WATER QUALITY AND HYDROLOGICAL EXTREMES  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Neil Macdonald  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   11 hours of lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   7 hours of discussion groups  
  Practical   2 hour workshop  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment PROJECT 4,000 word project60%
Semester Assessment REPORT 1,500 word technical report25%
Semester Assessment ORAL PRESENTATION  15%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed elements of coursework. Presentation marks are carried forward.100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe and evaluate the options available in reducing flood risk and its associated public health implications in river catchments.

2. Apply the Flood Estimation Handbook - Flood Frequency Analysis software (FEH-WINFAP) in the analysis of hydrological extremes.

3. Identify and evaluate 'contemporary' challenges in water management resulting from legislative and environmental changes.

Brief description

The module is split into two sections. The first examines legislative developments within the field of water quality, with particular reference to the Water Framework Directive. The second addresses the development of approaches to identifying, assessing and managing hydrological extremes; including the use of the FEH-WINFAP software (conventional flood risk analysis software).

Content

  1. The history and development of water management in the context of water quality and public health
  2. The Water Framework Directive (WFD)
  3. The provision of clean water   
  4. Water quality and public health: legislation and monitoring
  5. Ecological aspects of the WFD
  6. Waste water management: old and new - Water quality assessment and monitoring
  7. Water management in the urban environment. SuDS: the new approach to drainage
  8. Floods and drought (Inc. flood consequences assessment)
  9. How do we assess flood frequency? - FEH-WINFAP workshop
  10. Future pressures on water as a manageable resource

Module Skills

Problem_solving In case studies/FEH-WINFAP software  
Research skills Coursework report & independent reading  
Communication Verbal: Presentations/Discussion groups Written: Assessments  
Improving own Learning and Performance Independent reading  
Team work Some informal teamwork may be undertaken  
Information Technology Essential use of PowerPoint in presentations & Excel in data acquisition and analysis. FEH-WINFAP software competency  
Application of Number Workshop and assessments will involve numeric problem solving  
Personal Development and Career planning Increased confidence in undertaking analytical tasks, working with data (workshop + assessment). Awareness of environmental legislation relevant to employment.  
Subject Specific Skills Development and expansion on currently present skills base through the discussion groups and workshop, particularly within FEH-WINFAP. Experience of working with real data/information.  

Reading Lists

Journals
** Recommended Text
Astebøl S.O., Hvitved-Jacobson T. & Simonson Ø. (2004) Science of the Total Environment Sustainable stormwater management at Fornebu ¿ from an airport to an industrial and residential area of the city of Oslo, Norway 334-335:239-249.
Ellis J.B., Deutsch J.-C., Mouchel J. ¿M., Scholes L. & Revitt M.D. (2004) Science of the Total Environment Multicriteria decision approaches to support sustainable drainage options for the treatment of highway and urban runoff 334-335:251-260.
Harremoës P. (2002) Water Science and Technology Integrated urban drainage status and perspectives 45 (3):1-10.
Harremoës P. (1998) Water Science and Technology Upgrading our inherited drainage systems 37 (9):1-8.
Kay D., Bartram J., Prüss A., Ashbolt N., Wyer M.D., Fleisher J.M., Fewtrell L., Rogers A. & Rees G. (2004) Water Research Derivation of numerical values for the World Health Organization guidelines for recreational waters. 38, 1296-1304.
Nordeidet B., Nordeide T., Astebøl S.O. & Hvitved-Jacobson T. (2004) Science of the Total Environment Prioritising and planning of urban stormwater treatment in the Alna watercourse in Oslo 334-335:231-238.
Waters D., Watt W.E., Marsalek J. & Anderson B.C. (2003) Journal of Environmental Planning and Management Adaptation of a storm drainage system to accommodate increased rainfall resulting from climate change 46(5): 755-770.

Technical Reports
NERC (1999) The Flood Estimation Handbook Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, UK
WHO (2004) Guidelines for drinking water WHO Geneva
WHO (2004) Guidelines for safe recreational water environments Vol II. WHO Geneva

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7