This is an abridged syllabus. You can access the complete syllabus in your Canvas course.

575.606.81 - Water Supply and Wastewater Collection

Environmental Engineering

Fall 2024

Description

This course covers the fundamental but practical issues of water distribution systems and wastewater/stormwater collection systems. Specific topics of interest in water supply include water supply master planning; design of water storage facilities, water mains, and pumping stations; distribution-system water quality; and service connection issues. Topics covered under wastewater/stormwater collection include hydrology and hydraulics of stormwater/wastewater conveyance systems; design of stormwater detention and retention facilities; and collection system control technologies including green infrastructure. Also covered are regulations governing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and combined sewer overflows (CSOs); public health, environmental, and economic impacts of SSOs and CSOs; sewer system evaluation and rehabilitation methods; stormwater best management practices; and the benefits and challenges of water reuse. Through research papers and discussion forums, students examine case studies that illustrate diverse practical situations and stimulate creative ideas for solving real-life design problems.

Instructor

Christian Davies-Venn

cdavies6@jhu.edu

daviesvennc@verizon.net

Course Structure

The course content is divided into 14 modules, including a midterm exam (Module 7) and a final exam (Module 14). You can access the content by clicking on Course Modules located on the left navigation menu of the course. A module will have at least the following sections: Overview, Learning Guide, Content, Readings, and Assignments. Discussion forums will be provided every other module. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. All modules run for a period of seven (7) days; please check the Course Calendar for assignment due dates. Also check the Announcements regularly for additional information or changes.

Course Topics

Module 1: Water Distribution System Overview
Module 2: Water Supply Planning
Module 3: Pipe Systems
Module 4: Water Storage Tank Design
Module 5: Distribution System Water Quality
Module 6: Service Connection Issues
Module 7: Review of Water Supply
Module 8: Sanitary and Stormwater System Planning
Module 9: Stormwater Collection and Conveyance System Design
Module 10: Regulations Governing Sewer Collection Systems
Module 11: Wastewater Collection and Conveyance System Design
Module 12: Stormwater and Wastewater Management
Module 13: Water Reuse
Module 14: Review of Stormwater/Wastewater Collection

Course Goals

The goal of this course is to gain and apply knowledge of key issues in the design, operation, maintenance of water distribution system and wastewater collection system. This course will also provide problem-solving skills in common and emerging issues faced in water supply and wastewater collection.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Describe the key components of the water distribution system and stormwater and sanitary sewer collection and conveyance systems.
Apply the principles of hydrology and hydraulics to analyze pipe networks, conveyance systems, and pumping facilities.
Perform calculations for sizing components of water distribution, storm water, and sanitary sewer systems as well as pumping and storage facilities and appurtenances.
Evaluate water quality implications of water distribution system design and make design determinations to improve/optimize distribution system water quality.
Discuss issues related with sanitary and combined sewer overflows, and best management practices for stormwater management and control of sewer discharges.
Describe sewer evaluation and rehabilitation methods and technologies for reducing impacts of CSOs and SSOs.

Textbooks

Required

Mays, L. (1999). Water Distribution Systems Handbook (1stEd.). New York, NY:McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN-10: 0071342133 ISBN-13: 978-0071342131

Mays, L. (2001). Stormwater Collection Systems Design Handbook (1st Ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN-10: 0071354719 ISBN-13: 978-0071354714

Textbook information for this course is available online through the bookstore website. Please note that these textbooks are available as eBooks via JHU Library Electronic Reserves, at no cost to students enrolled in this course.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 6 –10 hours per week to complete. An approximate breakdown of anticipated time commitment per module per week is as follows: reading the assigned sections of the texts as well as some outside reading (2–3 hours), listening to the audio annotated slide presentations (1–2 hours), participation in discussion groups and class exercises (1–2 hours), and writing assignments and working toward the class project (2–3 hours).

This course will consist of four basic student requirements:

Six Discussion Forums
Twelve Module Assignments
Four Research Reports
One Course Project
Two Exams (midterm and final)

1. Discussion Forums (12% of Final Grade Calculation)

Discussion forums will be assigned in alternate modules (in Modules 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12). Each discussion topic will run over a period of two modules. You are required to post a substantive response to the discussion topic no later than Day 7 of the two-week period and also post at least one significant response to another student’s post by Day 14. There will be no discussion topics assigned during Modules 7 and 14 (midterm and final exams). Each student is responsible for carefully reading all assigned materials and be prepared to discuss the main issues. Additional reading, websites, and supplemental video will be assigned to supplement the textbooks and course materials. Be detailed in your postings and in your responses to your classmates' postings. Feel free to agree or disagree with your classmates. Please ensure that your postings are civil and constructive.

Your discussion posts should include: a compliment, a comment, a connection, and a question. I will monitor class discussions and will respond to some of the discussions as they are posted.

Preparation and participation will be graded as follows:

100–90 = Timeliness [regularly participates; all required postings; early in discussion; throughout the discussion]; Critical Thinking [rich in content; full of thoughts, insight, and analysis].

89–80 = Timeliness [frequently participates; all required postings; some not in time for others to read and respond]; Critical Thinking [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].

79–70 = Timeliness [infrequently participates; all required postings; most at the last minute without allowing for response time]; Critical Thinking [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].

2. Assignments (28% of Final Grade Calculation)

The purpose of the written module assignments is to give you the opportunity to demonstrate and apply your understanding of the course concepts. Reading assignments as well as readings from supplemental reading materials provided in the class will be important sources of reference for your module assignments and research reports. , In preparing your written module assignments, please indicate the module assignment number and your name on each assignment, even though it will also be submitted electronically. If the module assignments require drawing illustrations, diagrams, or formulas, you may submit scanned PDF of the handwritten assignments. All assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar. Late submissions, if they are submitted before the solutions are released, will be reduced by 10 points for each week late (no exceptions without prior approval). Assignments submitted after the solutions are released will not be accepted for grading. Graded assignments will be returned to students by the end of the next module. For example, graded assignments for Module 3 would be returned by the end of Module 4.

Written assignments will be evaluated by the following grading elements:

Technical accuracy (20%)
Rationale for answer is provided and accurate approach is used for problem solving (70%)
Outside references are included (10%) Note that if outside references are quoted or substantially inserted, they must be referenced, or no credit will be given for that question

Module assignments will be graded as follows:

100–90 = All parts of question are addressed; Technical Accuracy/ Rationale/ Outside References [rich in content; full of thought, insight, and analysis].

89–80 = All parts of the question are addressed; Technical Accuracy/ Rationale/ Outside References [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].

79–70= Majority of parts of the question are addressed; Technical Accuracy/ Rationale/ Outside References [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].

<70= Some parts of the question are addressed; Technical Accuracy/ Rationale/ Outside References [rudimentary and superficial; no analysis or insight displayed].

3. Research Reports (20% of Final Grade Calculation)

Four research reports will be assigned throughout the course. The research reports will cover current and emerging topics that are aligned with the objectives of the course. For each research report, a problem statement and items to be researched will be provided. A successful research report must contain problem statement, literature/background search, case studies, and your own discussion of the subject matter. As a general guide, each research report should be about 5-6 pages long (single spacing). All research reports are due according to the dates in the Calendar. Grades for late submissions will be reduced by 10 points for each week after the due date (no exceptions without prior approval).

The research reports will be evaluated by the following grading standards:

Overall structure of the report and clarity (10%)
Understanding of subject and breadth and relevance of the material used (40%)
Critical and creative approach to the subject (40%)
Timeliness and contribution to class discussion (10%)

Research reports will be graded as follows:

100–90 = Focused and in-depth understanding of the subject matter, report covers all agenda items laid out in the assignment, provides critical and creative interpretation and analysis of the subject.

89–80 = Focused and general understanding of the subject matter, report covers at least 70% agenda items laid out in the assignment, provides known and acceptable interpretation and analysis of the subject.

79–70 = Focused and general understanding of the subject matter, report covers at least 50% of agenda items laid out in the assignment, provides critical and creative interpretation and analysis of the subject.

<70 = Some understanding of the subject matter, report covers less than 50% of agenda items laid out in the assignment, fails to provide any interpretation and analysis of the subject.

4. Course Project (10% of Final Grade Calculation)

The course project is designed to give you experience on how system design and operations criteria and related topics you learned in this course are applied in real world situations. See Course Project for more specific details and requirements of the project.

5. Exams (30% of Final Grade Calculation, i.e., 15% each for Midterm and Final)

The midterm and final exams will be posted in Word or PDF format on the Blackboard site. The midterm exam will be made available during the weekend of Week 7. This exam will be based on the materials covered in Modules 1 through 6. The questions will be similar in scope and format to module assignment questions and will be designed to test your understanding of the course materials. Module 7 will be devoted to reviewing and taking the midterm exam so no other reading or class assignments will be given that week. The exam will be individual, open book, and untimed. Please check the course calendar for the specific due date.

The final exam will be available during the weekend of Week 14. The exam will be based primarily on the materials covered in Modules 8 through 13; however, a comprehensive understanding of the entire course materials is expected. The exam will be individual, open book, and untimed. Late exam submission will not be accepted without prior approval. Please check the course calendar for the specific due date.

The exams will be evaluated by the following grading standards:

Technical accuracy (20%)
Rationale for answer is provided and accurate approach is used for problem solving (70%)
Outside references are included (10%). Note that if outside references are quoted or substantially inserted, they must be referenced, or no credit will be given for that question.

Exams will be graded as follows:

100–90 = All parts of questions are addressed; Technical Accuracy/ Rationale/ Outside References [rich in content; full of thought, insight, and analysis].
89–80 = All parts of the questions are addressed; Technical Accuracy/ Rationale/ Outside References [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].
79–70= Majority of parts of the questions are addressed; Technical Accuracy/ Rationale/ Outside References [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].
<70= Some parts of the questions are addressed; Technical Accuracy/ Rationale/ Outside References [rudimentary and superficial; no analysis or insight displayed].

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates posted in your Canvas course site. You may check these due dates in the Course Calendar or the Assignments in the corresponding modules. I will post grades one week after assignment due dates.

I generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, egregious violations of the rules of the English language will be noted without comment. Consistently poor performance in either spelling or grammar is taken as an indication of poor written communication ability that may detract from your grade.

A grade of “A” indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week. A grade of “B” indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work.

Score Range	Letter Grade
100-96	= A+
<96-93	= A
<93-90	= A−
<90-87	= B+
<87-84	= B
<84-80	= B−
<80-77	= C+
<77-73	= C
<73-70	= C−
<70-67	= D+
<67-63	= D
<63	= F

Course Evaluation

Final grades will be determined by the following weightings:

Item	% of Grade
Discussion Forums (6)	12%
Module Assignments (12)	28%
Research Reports (4)	20%
Course Project (Part 1 & Part 2 or 3)	10%
Exams (Midterm + Final)	30% (15% each)

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically.

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity.

If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.