Outline

Overview

Students will learn practical civil engineering aspects of the approaches taken to supply towns and cities with water. This will compliment material taught in CIVL5670 (Reservoir, Stream and Coastal Engineering) to provide an understanding of conventional drinking water sources (surface water and groundwater), water quality considerations, and conventional treatment processes (coagulation, flocculation, filtration and disinfection). Students will learn about more recently developing trends for drinking water supply, including seawater desalination in the use of purified recycled water for drinking.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Civil Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Stuart Khan, stuart.khan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 02	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five-minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 03	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five-minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 04	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five-minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 05	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Water security assignment Individual assignment with written report.	25%	Week 05 Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59	5 pages.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five-minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 06	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five-minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 07	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five-minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 08	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five-minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 09	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Water quality and treatment assignment Individual assignment with written report.	25%	Week 09 Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:59	5 pages.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five-minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 10	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Weekly 5-minute quiz A five-minute quiz to be undertaken in weekly tutorial classes. Attendance is compulsory and quiz completion will be supervised by tutors.	2.5%	Week 11	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Case for high priority infrastructure investment Individual presentation (and questions) as if to a water utility board to present a case for high priority infrastructure investment.	25%	Week 13	15 min	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Tutorial Quizzes: You will be required to answer a series of multiple-choice, short answer and other format questions to demonstrate your understanding of water quality, water treatment and water supply concepts.
Water Security Assignment: You will be required to undertake an individual water security assignment based on modelling a water supply scenario. You will demonstrate your ability to use water security modelling software and to draw meaningful conclusions from a model.
Water Quality Assignment: You will be required to undertake an individual research assignment to evaluate alternative water treatment to manage an identified water quality problem. You will also demonstrate your ability to calculate water treatment process design parameters to meet identified design requirements.
Water Supply Portfolio Presentation: You will construct a future water supply portfolio plan for real or hypothetical town or city. You will contrast alternative future water supply options to compare by several criteria. You will present your findings to an audience for assessment.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85-100	When you demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes to an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75-84	When you demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes to a very high standard.
Credit	65-74	When you demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes to a good standard.
Pass	50-64	When you demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes to an acceptable standard.
Fail	0-49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Physical and chemical water quality	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Physical and chemical water quality	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Microbial water quality	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Microbial water quality	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Catchment management	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Catchment management	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Groundwater systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Groundwater systems	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Filtration: media and membranes	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Filtration: media and membranes	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Disinfection	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Disinfection	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Adsorption, ion exchange, and advanced oxidation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Adsorption, ion exchange, and advanced oxidation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Reverse osmosis and seawater desalination	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Reverse osmosis and seawater desalination	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Purified recycled water	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Purified recycled water	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Distribution systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Distribution systems	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Water supply portfolio planning 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Water supply portfolio planning 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Water supply portfolio planning 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Water supply portfolio planning 2	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance is required to complete in-class quizzes during most weekly tutorials, and the final presentation in Week 13. These tasks cannot be completed outside the timetabled class sessions.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Comprehend concepts and processes applied in managing water supplies for towns and cities.
LO2. Analyise and evaluate water supply security for towns and cities.
LO3. Analyse and evaluate conventional and advanced water treatment processes for effective water quality management.
LO4. Create a case for presentation to a water utility board for high priority infrastructure investment.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems. 4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance. 4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems. 4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance. 4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems. 4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance. 4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis. 5.2. A commitment to safe and sustainable practices. 5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials. 5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Several site visits are planned. All participants will require long pants, long sleeve shirt and closed shoes.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CIVL5665: Water Supply for Towns and Cities

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links