Decentralized water and sanitary systems are highly appropriate in rural areas. In urban areas, such systems are increasingly interesting especially in connection to "green and smart" cities. Urban sustainable development and climate change has resulted in more focus on storm water handling using "blue-green" structures. Blue-green structures can be very cost efficient and give added value to urban life. Design of blue-green structures is based on the same fundamental principles as for natural systems for wastewater treatment.

This course explores the possibilities of using small-scale decentralized solutions for poor, but also for rich countries in rural and urban settings. Through lectures and field exercises the students will be trained in design and implementation of rain-water harvesting systems (collection, treatment and storage), fog water harvesting, design and protection of shallow wells and boreholes, design of spring sources, sizing of reservoirs, membrane filtration units, and small gravity water supply systems for rural areas. Wastewater treatment has major focus on design of natural systems (soil infiltration, wetlands and ponds) as well as source separating solutions. An introduction will be given to storm-water handling in blue-green structures and to design of small diameter vacuum, pressure and gravity sewers.

Small diameter vacuum, pressure and gravity sewers open new possibility for cost-efficient sewer transport in rural and urban settings, when the natural conditions are challenging, and thus complement traditional gravity sewers. 

Written exam counts for 75% (3 hours). Term paper counts 25%

Grading system A- E / not passed.