Water and Sanitation Infrastructure in Developing Countries

Access to clean water and safe sanitation is one of the most critical challenges facing rapidly growing cities in developing countries. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the planning, policy, and engineering principles required to deliver sustainable infrastructure where it is needed most. You will gain a deep understanding of how global development goals translate into practical, local solutions that protect public health and preserve resources. By working through this course, you will transition from understanding basic environmental health concepts to evaluating complex urban infrastructure projects. You will learn to balance technical requirements with financial, social, and environmental constraints in diverse international contexts. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of water supply, treatment, and sanitation infrastructure in resource-limited settings - Analyze the socioeconomic and political factors that influence infrastructure planning and community adoption - Evaluate decentralized and low-cost technical solutions alongside traditional centralized utility models - Apply modern sustainable development frameworks and key performance indicators to assess project viability - Design integrated strategies for municipal solid waste management and wastewater reuse in urban environments - Navigate the institutional, regulatory, and funding mechanisms that drive international development projects The course begins with foundational concepts in public health, hydrology, and development economics before guiding you through technical design options, community-led planning methodologies, and real-world case studies of urban infrastructure interventions. This text-based program is designed for beginners, aspiring urban planners, NGO workers, and public policy students, with no prior engineering background required. Start building the knowledge needed to drive meaningful change in global sanitation and water security today.