Course Details

Water Supply

Academic Year 2026/27

DPB031 course is part of 4 study plans

​ DPA-V Winter Semester 2nd year

​ DKA-V Winter Semester 2nd year

​ DPC-V Winter Semester 2nd year

​ DKC-V Winter Semester 2nd year

Within this doctoral course, students will explore the following topics in detail:

  • methods of water consumption analysis and water demand forecasting models,
  • hydraulic analysis and design optimization of drinking water supply systems,
  • water losses and reduction methods,
  • technical condition assessment of water supply systems and rehabilitation planning,
  • reliability of water supply systems,
  • water quality modeling in distribution networks,
  • measurement of hydraulic parameters in pressurized pipe networks, planning and execution of measurement campaigns,
  • maintenance optimization of water distribution networks,
  • risk analysis of water supply systems.

Credits

8 credits

Language of instruction

Czech

Semester

winter

Course Guarantor

Ing. Jan Ručka, Ph.D.

Institute

Institute of Municipal Water Management

Forms and criteria of assessment

examination

Entry Knowledge

For the successful completion of this course, knowledge in the field of drinking water supply is required, at least to the extent covered in the courses BPA003 - Water Supply and NPB019 - Selected Topics in Water Supply.

Aims

The aim of the course is to deepen professional knowledge, skills, and competences in the field of drinking water supply through public water systems. Through studying the course, the student will acquire:

Professional Knowledge

  • The student will acquire deep theoretical knowledge of advanced analysis methods and stochastic models for water demand forecasting.
  • The student will understand the principles of hydraulic analysis, water quality modeling in distribution networks, and optimization algorithms for the design of water supply systems.
  • The student will master the theoretical foundations of comprehensive system reliability assessment, risk analysis, and modern approaches to water loss management and infrastructure rehabilitation planning.

Professional Skills

  • The student can apply simulation tools for the hydraulic analysis of water distribution networks to optimize their design and operation.
  • The student can independently plan, execute, and evaluate a measurement campaign of hydraulic parameters in pressurized pipe networks.
  • The student is able to assess the technical condition of water infrastructure, quantify and analyze water losses, propose effective measures for their reduction, and create a rehabilitation and maintenance plan.

Professional Competencies

  • The student is competent to perform independent, highly specialized engineering activities in the field of public drinking water supply.
  • The student can critically evaluate and synthesize extensive data for strategic decision-making in the management, maintenance, and development of water supply systems.
  • The student is able to conceptually solve complex problems associated with ensuring a reliable and safe supply of drinking water.

Prerequisites

For the successful completion of this course, knowledge in the field of drinking water supply is required, at least to the extent covered in the courses BPA003 - Water Supply and NPB019 - Selected Topics in Water Supply.

Offered to foreign students

Not to offer

Course on BUT site

https://www.vut.cz/en/students/courses/detail/302314

Lecture

13 weeks, 3 hours/week, elective

Syllabus

  • 1. Measurement of hydraulic parameters in pressurized networks: Planning and execution of measurement campaigns.
  • 2. Water consumption and demand: Methods of analysis and water demand forecasting models.
  • 3. Hydraulic analysis of water distribution networks: Advanced modeling and calibration of water network simulation models.
  • 4. Design of water supply systems: Optimization of the design and sizing of water supply systems.
  • 5. Pressure conditions: Pressure optimization and management in water distribution networks.
  • 6. Drinking water quality: Modeling of water quality changes during distribution.
  • 7. Water losses I: Reporting methods, water balance, and the economic level of leakage (ELL).
  • 8. Water losses II: Leakage reduction methods, district metered areas (DMAs), and smart meters.
  • 9. Network maintenance: Strategies and maintenance optimization of water infrastructure, controlled flushing (unidirectional flushing).
  • 10. Technical condition indicators: Selection and determination of selected technical condition indicators of water infrastructure.
  • 11. Diagnostics: Data acquisition and analysis, assessment of the technical condition and failure rate of water supply systems.
  • 12. Rehabilitation planning: Strategic infrastructure renewal and investment prioritization.
  • 13. Reliability and risks: Reliability assessment and risk management of water supply systems.