WATR06017 2021 Drinking Water Treatment

Explain the function and operation criteria of drinking water treatment processes.

Differentiate between water treatment process steps and their application.

Perform calculations necessary for efficient plant operation and differentiate between measurement units used.

Describe the various disinfection processes and understand log credit and log removal in drinking water treatment

Define and describe water quality parameters, parametric values, methods of measurement and and carry out lab testing.

Analyse drinking water treatment plant performance, identify critical control points and understand mananging for loss/wastage of treated water

Identify and describe the "risk" and "barrier" approach to achieving safe drinking water, the main contaminants of water and their sources and drinking water safety planning.

This module will be delivered using blended learning techniques. This will include online lectures (via adobe connect or similar), workshops and site visits augmented by directed learning and independent learning. A learning platform such as Moodle will be used to upload accessible lecture slides and lecture recordings along with other resources including videos and web resources to facilitate multiple means of engagement for students.  A learning platform such as Moodle will also be used as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes and uploading assignments). This blended approach (lectures and workshops) brings students together to facilitate group learning’ and it will incorporate elements of enquiry and project-based learning, along with case studies, practical laboratory demonstrations, site visits to treatment facilities, group laboratory practicals, and guest lecturers.

Final written examination and continuous assessment consisting of two Moodle MCQ assessment (multiple choice quiz), a workshop laboratory practical, and an individual practical assignment involving an individual report with options for multiple means of expression..  

There will be two quizzes to encourage reading of directed material, engagement with on‑line lectures and to provide feedback to students on progress with their understanding of the subject theory. The second element of CA is an evaluation of practical performance e.g. undertaking analysis of drinking water samples and interpretation of data at scheduled workshop(s). The third element of CA will be the submission of a short report e.g. on site visits undertaken.

The learner must undertake repeat final written examination and/or continuous assessment project work depending on the particular failed element to achieve an overall pass grade.
 

• World Health Organisation guidelines and European and National legislation relating to protection of water supply sources and drinking water including group water schemes.
• Sources of raw waters for treatment and typical impurities associated with different sources.
• Introduction to all common treatment processes and their designs for both ground and surface waters processes in treatment plants with particular emphasis on disinfection.
• Log Credit and Log Removal approach to Water Treatment.  
• The testing of water for basic parameters including the understanding of the significance of guide levels and parametric values and consumer requirements.
• Introduction to  Drinking Water Safety Planning and its integrative approach into the operation of the Drinking Water Treatment Plant risk assessment and barrier approach to treatment and investment
• Process Control and how it can be applied to the treatment of Drinking Water
• Understanding of how to detect when process is out of control and what action to take to ensure Multi Barrier Approach remains in place to protect human health and satisfy water safety planning
• Operational issues ‑ backwash process, biological factors (e.g. cryptosporidium and other microorganisms), THM formation from chlorination, factors affecting treatment efficiency, calculation of removal rates
• Optimisation, monitoring and management of individual processes and the overall water treatment process
• Interpretation of results from the monitoring of the operational stages of a water treatment plant and recommend corrective action to remedy operational problems
• Lab testing for key water parameters such, eg. Colour, Turbidity, Alum, Total & Free Chlorine, Fluoride, pH, Conductivity, Jar testing.
• Water loss, and wastage during treatment