This course addresses the critical challenges of managing water resources—supply, distribution, stormwater, and wastewater—within complex urban environments. It explores integrated approaches that move beyond traditional engineering solutions to embrace conservation, reuse, and ecological principles. Participants will learn about managing water scarcity, implementing Low Impact Development (LID), and planning for climate-related flooding and drought. The curriculum emphasizes the planning, policy, and technology required to achieve sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban water systems.
Water Resources Management in Urban Areas
Urban Planning and Development
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the policy, planning, and engineering challenges of sustainable urban water management. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Target Audience
- Water Resource Planners and Engineers
- Municipal Public Works and Utility Staff
- Environmental Policy Analysts and Consultants
- Urban and Land Use Planners
- Landscape Architects and Hydrologists
- Emergency Management and Resilience Planners
- Students in Environmental Science or Civil Engineering
Methodology
- Case Studies of integrated urban water planning (e.g., Singapore, Melbourne)
- Hands-on Exercises in calculating water demand and conservation potential
- Group Activities: Developing a policy framework for a new stormwater utility fee
- Individual Exercises: Analyzing a local water utility's annual report and capital plan
- GIS mapping and hydrologic modeling demonstrations for flood assessment
- Discussions on the ethics and politics of water scarcity and pricing
Personal Impact
- Acquire specialized knowledge in integrated and sustainable urban water management
- Master the principles and design of Low Impact Development (LID)
- Improve analytical skills for water demand forecasting and conservation planning
- Enhance ability to plan for climate-related water hazards (flood and drought)
- Gain expertise in the policy and finance of urban water infrastructure
- Develop a holistic "One Water" perspective on resource challenges
Organizational Impact
- Ensure the long-term water security and supply resilience of the community
- Reduce utility operating costs through water and energy efficiency improvements
- Minimize flood damage and property loss through effective stormwater management
- Improve the organization's compliance with clean water and public health standards
- Facilitate the use of innovative financing and revenue-neutral rate structures
- Enhance environmental quality through reduced pollutant runoff and discharge
Course Outline
Unit 1: The Urban Water Cycle and Context
Integrated Water Management- Understanding the natural and engineered urban water cycle (supply, use, disposal)
- The concept of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and its benefits
- Connecting water management to land use planning and climate change adaptation
- The "One Water" approach: treating all water sources as a valuable resource
- The role of key water legislation (e.g., Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act)
- Water rights, allocation systems, and inter-jurisdictional water conflicts
- Permitting and compliance requirements for utility operations and discharge
Unit 2: Water Supply and Demand Management
Water Scarcity and Conservation- Assessing water demand, population growth, and future scarcity risks
- Techniques for demand-side management and conservation programs
- Economic analysis of water pricing, rate structures, and efficiency incentives
- Strategies for reducing non-revenue water (leak detection and control)
- Planning and design of water recycling and reuse systems (e.g., purified recycled water)
- Rainwater harvesting and stormwater capture for beneficial reuse
- Desalination and other alternative supply technologies and their economics
- Groundwater management and recharge strategies
Unit 3: Stormwater and Flood Management
Low Impact Development (LID)- Principles and design of Low Impact Development (LID) and Green Infrastructure (GI)
- Implementing specific LID features: rain gardens, permeable pavement, bioretention
- The role of GI in reducing combined sewer overflows (CSOs)
- The economic benefits and co-benefits of green infrastructure deployment
- Conducting flood risk mapping and vulnerability assessment in urban areas
- The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and local floodplain management regulations
- Structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures (e.g., levees, green spaces)
- Developing a water-related disaster and resilience plan
Unit 4: Wastewater and Treatment Systems
Wastewater Management- Modern wastewater treatment processes and their regulatory context
- Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) control and sewer system maintenance
- Sludge and biosolids management and beneficial reuse strategies
- Decentralized and on-site wastewater treatment options
- Managing non-point source pollution and urban runoff contamination
- Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) planning and compliance
- Monitoring and testing protocols for drinking water and effluent quality
- Addressing emerging contaminants (e.g., pharmaceuticals, microplastics)
Unit 5: Policy, Equity, and Future Trends
Governance and Equity- Institutional models for urban water utilities and regional authorities
- The challenge of water affordability and environmental justice in water service
- Public participation and stakeholder engagement in water planning decisions
- Innovative financing mechanisms for water infrastructure projects
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