Sustainable Water Management (SWM)

Water is a vital aspect of natural ecosystems and an important human resource. The physical, chemical and biological properties of water are considered in relation to the resources, to aquatic environments, human impacts on freshwater systems (particularly eutrophication) and the provision of drinking water and sanitation.  In many parts of the world, water is in limited supply, and we most develop sustainable approaches to its conservation and use. From the point of view of human populations, personal, agricultural, industrial and economic demands make water availability and limiting factor in human development. As fresh water is not necessarily in abundant supply we must develop a sustainable approach to our use.

Students attending the course will gain an understanding of diverse aspects of water quality, how these are monitored and how they affect our preservation and use of available supplies. The impact of human population increase on sustainable use of water resources is emphasized in relation to current pressures on natural freshwater systems, the effect of global warming and the increasing demand for drinking water and sanitation. Students will understand the steps of waste water treatment and will learn about most common technologies.

On the end of the course 1-day long field trip will take place. We will visit Budapest Water Works and Waste Water Treatment Plant.