• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

Water System Management

Module description

In a time of climate change, population growth, and urbanization, traditional water management methods are becoming less effective. This module offers a systems-thinking approach to understanding how global changes impact water resources and their effects on people, ecosystems, and economies. It explores contemporary water management practices in the UK and globally, addressing complex issues such as storm sewage management and flood risk strategies in a changing climate. With a focus on real-world applications, students will engage with industry professionals and visit sites showcasing innovative water management solutions.

Module aims - intentions of the module

Water management is increasingly complex due to interconnected pressures from climate change, urbanization, and population growth. Traditional methods, often focused on single issues, are proving less effective in this evolving landscape. This module aims to introduce innovative, holistic approaches to water management. These include nature-based solutions that harness natural processes, behavioural 'nudges' to promote sustainable practices, and cross-sector collaboration at the catchment scale to deliver broad benefits to both people and ecosystems.

Grounded in real-world case studies, this module will be facilitated by practitioners who provide insights into the practical complexities of environmental management. Through these interactions, you will explore contemporary approaches and tools, gaining a deep understanding of the diverse perspectives and stakeholder needs involved in water management.

You will also develop crucial skills in collaborative governance, learning to navigate and communicate complex water-related issues to both technical and non-technical audiences. This module emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to address future water challenges effectively.

No prior knowledge or specific prerequisites are required, making this module accessible to both specialist and non-specialist students. It is highly recommended for those pursuing interdisciplinary pathways, especially in environmental science, engineering, and policymaking, providing a robust foundation for graduate-level work in these fields.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Explain the main pressures on water security, how they interconnect, and their impact on the environment, society and economy at scales from local to global
• 2. Articulate the respective roles of the water industry, regulators and local government in water management and the regulatory framework under which they operate
• 3. Analyse the commercial and economic dimensions of water management

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Evaluate the benefits of a system-based approach to water management compared to conventional interventions
• 5. Critically assess the effectiveness of novel approaches compared to conventional water management techniques in terms of achieving water security
• 6. Critically evaluate trade-offs and competing interests in water management decisions, applying conflict resolution techniques

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Communicate technical information effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
• 8. Collaborate effectively in a team, drawing on a diverse range of disciplines, experiences, knowledge and opinions to develop solutions
• 9. Plan and execute independent research or applied projects

Syllabus plan

The module will cover, but not be limited to, the following themes:

• Water security and the impact of global change on water resources
• Conventional and contemporary water management interventions
• Regulatory drivers for water management
• Case studies on water resilience, water quality and flood risk management
• Water governance models and the need for cross-sector collaboration
• Engaging at the community level

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a new assessment. The marks given for the re-assessments taken as a result of referral will count for 70% and 30% of the final mark and will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

There is no recommended textbook. Books and articles that cover substantial parts of the syllabus are:

Basic reading:

• Mays, L. W. (2019). Water resources engineering (Third edition.). Wiley.
• Tebbutt, T. H. Y. (1998). Principles of water quality control (5th ed.). ButterWorth-Heinemann.
• Kumar, P. (Ed.). (2022). Water resources management and sustainability. Springer.
• Davis, M. L., & Cornwell, D. A. (2013). Introduction to environmental engineering (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment https://www.iema.net/
• The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management https://www.ciwem.org/

Key words search

Water Management; Water Quality; Water Resilience; Flood Risk Management; Water Governance; Water Industry