WATR06006 2018 Drinking Water Treatment
This Module informs the learner about the function and operation criteria of a drinking water treatment plant and its main elements. It describes the treatment stages that transform a typical raw water source (surface water or ground water) to one that is fit for human consumption and meets the required drinking water legislation. The module will explore the factors that influence the design and operation of a water treatment plant. It will also explore the importance of monitoring key parameters within a system to minimize operational problems and optimise treatment efficiency.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Explain the function and operation criteria of drinking water treatment processes.
Differentiate between water treatment process steps and their application.
Recall and differentiate between key terms and abbreviations used in drinking water treatment.
Perform calculations necessary for efficient plant operation and differentiate between measurement units used.
Interpret results from the monitoring of a drinking treatment plant and recommend corrective action to remedy operational problems.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
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 independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student-learning needs. A learning platform such as Moodle will be used to upload educational material (i.e. presentations and recordings of online lectures plus supplementary reading material) and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals). This blended approach (lectures and workshops) brings students together to facilitate group learning.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 40% continuous assessment and 60% final exam.
There will be two MCQ sessions 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, 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 on site visits undertaken.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.
Indicative Syllabus
Drinking water quality and public health − introduction to the multiple barrier approach to water treatment.
World Health Organisation guidelines and European and National legislation relating to protection of water supply sources and drinking water including group water schemes.
Process steps in a typical water treatment plant;
- preliminary treatment
- primary treatment
- coagulation & flocculation
- clarification
- filtration
- disinfection
- overview of other processes such fluoridation, iron and manganese removal, nitrate removal and arsenic treatment
Operational issues ‑ backwash process, biological factors (e.g. cryptosporidium and other microorganisms), THM formation from chlorination, factors affecting treatment efficiency, calculation of removal rates.
Optimization, 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
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MCQ | Continuous Assessment | Assessment | 10 % | OnGoing | 1,2,4 |
2 | Performance Evaluation - Data Analysis | Continuous Assessment | Practical Evaluation | 15 % | Week 8 | 4,5 |
3 | Interpretative report on a DWT plant | Continuous Assessment | Assignment | 15 % | Week 4 | 1,2 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 60 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,5 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Not Specified | Lecture | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Directed Learning | Not Specified | Directed Learning | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Workshop | Not Specified | Workshop | 2 | Twice Per Semester | 0.27 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List

2010-07-26 Water Technology, Third Edition CRC Press
ISBN 185617705X ISBN-13 9781856177054
New, ship fast, delivered in 5-7 days in UK, No PO BOX.

2013-09-27 Basic Water Treatment, Fifth edition ICE Publishing
ISBN 0727758160 ISBN-13 9780727758163
Module Resources
Environmental Protection Agency (1997) Drinking Water Treatment Manuals
http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/drinkingwater/
UN Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 6 - Access to Clean Water & Sanitation)
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
Irish Water
https://www.water.ie/water-supply/
GE Power & Water - Water Processes Technology
https://www.suezwatertechnologies.com/handbook/index.jsp