Hydraulics, Utility networks, Water chemistry and technology.

The course is focused on acquiring fundamental knowledge, skills, and competences in the field of drinking water abstraction, treatment, and distribution. Through study during the semester, the student will gain:

Professional Knowledge

• Legislative and normative framework: Understands the quality requirements for raw and drinking water and the legislative criteria for evaluating the water treatability index.
• Technological treatment processes: Knows the physico-chemical principles of individual separation phases, such as pre-treatment, coagulation, sedimentation, and disinfection, including the issues of chemical and sludge management in water treatment plants.
• Hydraulic principles: Masters the theoretical principles of water flow, the calculation of friction pressure losses along the pipe length, and hydrodynamic principles in pipeline networks.
• Structural elements of infrastructure: Knows the material base, valves, fittings, and the structural design of water supply system facilities (abstraction structures, control chambers, pumping stations, water reservoirs, water meter shafts/pits).
• Operational context: Has an overview of the structure, functioning, and engineering practice of water and wastewater utility companies (VaK) in the Czech Republic.

Professional Skills

• Performing engineering calculations: Can independently calculate the demographic and specific water demand for a given location and determine hydraulic friction losses in pipelines.
• Designing technological facilities: Is able to dimension and design selected technological and structural units, such as a longitudinal settling tank, a control chamber over a well, or a pumping station.
• Analyzing and interpreting data: Based on laboratory or operational indicators, can determine the raw water treatability index and determine the optimal dosage of reagents during coagulation.
• Processing technical documentation: Is able to compile and interpret the technological flow diagram of a water treatment plant, design the elevation placement of a water reservoir in the terrain, elaborate a pipe laying diagram for a pipeline network, and design the technical solution for a water service connection, including a water meter shaft.

Professional Competencies

• Conceptual thinking: Is capable of comprehensively assessing the water supply system as an interconnected whole – from water source protection through the technological treatment line to the distribution network to the consumer.
• Decision-making competence: Based on raw water analysis, can responsibly propose the concept of the technological treatment scheme and select suitable pipe materials and valves/fittings with regard to operational safety and lifespan.
• Engineering responsibility: Is competent to methodically manage and evaluate professional technical procedures, such as pipeline pressure tests before putting the network into operation.
• Communication and cooperation readiness: Is able to professionally communicate and defend technical solutions before infrastructure operators (VaK companies), design engineers, and state administration authorities.

Hydraulics, Utility networks, Water chemistry and technology.