Civil & Environmental Engrg 580 - Drinking Water for All

Access to and the provision of safe drinking water is essential for human life, yet provision of such services is challenging, even within the USA. In this course, we examine the physical, technical, political, economic, and social factors that affect the provision of water in rural and disadvantaged communities. Interdisciplinary teams of students will work together over the semester to study, visit, and make recommendations as to how to address problems from a specific real-world nearby public water system. In addition to the community-based learning activities, students will hear from practitioners in the field, including learning about case studies of innovations and actions taken by entities including the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and environmental justice advocates to address the challenge of public supply.

Open to Undergraduate Seniors & Juniors, who have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA. Permission from the instructor is needed to enroll in this course