Urban Water

This course explores both quantitatively and qualitatively - technical, economic, institutional, social, policy, and legal aspects of urban water. The course will include lectures and discussions covering the following themes (1) history of urban water (2) journey of urban water including human health and ecosystem health impacts (3) sanitation (4) global urban water conflicts (5) disease prevention and pandemic response (6) practical and technical aspects of water quality analysis (7) economics of water (8) technology and water (9) seeds of hope. Lectures will provide foundational information on drinking water, wastewater treatment processes, contaminants, role of various stakeholders in the outcome of water conflicts as well as policies and guidelines (local national and WHO). Discussion sessions will include case studies of nuanced water conflicts that students will dive deep into using engaging conversation and debate. Technical classes will include water quality analysis on contaminants that students will work through during in-class discussions and homework assignments.