Planning Sustainable Water and Sanitation Systems

Reliable water and sanitation infrastructure is critical for public health and economic growth in secondary cities worldwide. Many planners lack the practical tools to address these complex needs effectively. By the end of this course, you will understand the fundamental principles of infrastructure assessment, be able to identify sustainable technological and financial solutions, and practice communicating your recommendations clearly through professional policy memos. What you'll learn: * Understand foundational concepts in urban water cycles and the sanitation hierarchy. * Analyze existing infrastructure using needs assessment frameworks and data interpretation techniques. * Design sustainable and climate-resilient technical solutions for resource-constrained environments. * Formulate basic financial models, including public-private partnership structures, for project viability. * Master the structure and persuasive writing techniques required for drafting effective policy memoranda. * Apply planning principles to create actionable strategies for infrastructure improvement projects. This text-based course guides you through the entire planning process, starting with core concepts and definitions, moving into data analysis and solution development, and concluding with practical exercises in professional policy communication. This foundational course is designed for aspiring urban planners, public policy students, civil engineering professionals, and development workers. No prior experience in water or sanitation planning is required. Begin mastering the essential skills needed to build resilient urban infrastructure today.