180.619.11
Drinking Water and Water Policy: Avoiding Another Flint

Location
East Baltimore
Term
Summer Institute
Department
Environmental Health and Engineering
Credit(s)
1
Academic Year
2025 - 2026
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tu, W, 1:30 - 5:20pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
James Roberson
Contact Name
Alan Roberson
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

This course has three prerequisites that must be completed (approximately 2 to 2½ hours to complete) prior to the start of the first class:
1. Read a small number of published reports/articles/papers
2. Water a short series of background video lectures on drinking water and water policy
3. Take the first quiz

Description
This course bridges the gap between water science and water policy by developing a deeper understanding of the complex water science and policy issues that will lead to a suite of solutions for the future.
Bridges the gap between water science and water policy by developing a deeper understanding of the complex water science and policy issues that will lead to a suite of solutions for the future. Provides an overview of the federal drinking water and clean water laws, as well as the resultant regulations that address the range of contaminants that could impact public health and the environment. Investigates how technical, financial, social, and cultural issues play a role in the current problems facing the water sector, as well as some of the potential solutions.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Explain how environmental laws, regulations, and guidance are developed and applied to protect public health and a clean environment
  2. Identify how science and policy blend together for implementation of drinking water and clean water regulatory programs
  3. Identify the current drinking water issues and problems and identify and evaluate potential solutions
  4. Critique past drinking water “failures” and identify and evaluate potential approaches to avoid them in the future
  5. Analyze the social, cultural, economic, and environmental justice components of the current drinking water issues
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 10% Discussion
  • 10% In-class Exercises
  • 50% Final Paper
  • 30% Quizzes
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

This course has three prerequisites that must be completed prior to the start of the first class on 6/4/24:
1. Read the four reports/articles/papers
2. Watch the video of Module 0 - The Federal Government and Water Policy
3. Take the first quiz

The due date for the final paper will be 2 weeks after the last day of class.