Course Overview
Effective water quality assessment and monitoring are central to ensuring the safety, sustainability, and resilience of water resources. This course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of water quality principles, pollution dynamics, and modern monitoring techniques. It equips professionals with the skills to design and implement water quality monitoring programs, conduct field sampling, interpret laboratory data, and use analytical tools for informed decision-making. The course also explores emerging issues such as climate change impacts, new contaminants, and technological innovations in monitoring. Through practical case studies and interactive sessions, participants gain hands-on experience that enhances their capacity to safeguard water resources and strengthen institutional water quality management systems.
Duration
5 Days
Target Audience
- Environmental and water quality officers
- Water resources and sanitation engineers
- Laboratory technologists and analysts
- Environmental health officers and inspectors
- Hydrologists and watershed managers
- Policy makers and regulators in the water sector
- Researchers and consultants in water and environmental management
- NGO and donor agency staff involved in water governance programs
Organizational Impact
- Strengthened institutional capacity for evidence-based water quality monitoring and reporting
- Enhanced compliance with national and international water quality standards
- Improved efficiency in pollution control, water safety, and resource protection
- Better integration of monitoring data into decision-making and planning processes
- Reduced operational risks and enhanced service delivery quality
Personal Impact
- Deepened technical expertise in water quality assessment and monitoring practices
- Improved analytical and data interpretation skills
- Enhanced ability to design and manage water quality programs independently
- Greater confidence in applying field and laboratory techniques
- Strengthened professional competence and career growth in the water and environmental sectors
Course Outline
Objectives of the course
- Understand the fundamental principles of water quality, pollution sources, and their environmental and public health implications.
- Identify and classify key physical, chemical, and biological parameters used in water quality assessment.
- Apply appropriate techniques for sampling, preservation, and handling of water samples from various sources.
- Conduct and interpret laboratory analyses for different water quality parameters following standard protocols.
- Design and implement effective water quality monitoring programs tailored to specific ecosystems or supply systems.
- Utilize data analysis tools and GIS applications to interpret, visualize, and report water quality trends.
- Evaluate emerging threats such as climate change and emerging contaminants affecting water resources.
- Formulate actionable strategies for improving water quality management through integrated and evidence-based approaches.
- Draw lessons from real-world case studies to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance water quality governance.
Course Modules
Course Outline
Module 1: Fundamentals of Water Quality and Pollution Sources
- Understanding the importance of water quality in sustainable development
- Physical, chemical, and biological parameters of water quality
- Major sources and types of water pollutants
- Water quality standards and classification systems (WHO and regional frameworks)
- Case Study: Assessing Pollution Sources and Impacts in the Nairobi River Basin, Kenya
Module 2: Water Sampling Techniques and Field Data Collection
- Principles of representative sampling for different water bodies
- Surface water vs. groundwater sampling protocols
- Equipment selection, calibration, and maintenance
- Chain of custody, sample preservation, and transport procedures
- Case Study: Field Sampling and Monitoring Practices in the Rufiji River Catchment, Tanzania
Module 3: Laboratory Analysis and Interpretation of Water Quality Data
- Analytical methods for key physical, chemical, and biological parameters
- Microbial water quality testing and indicator organisms
- Data validation, statistical interpretation, and reporting standards
- Integration of laboratory and field data for decision-making
- Case Study: Laboratory-Based Water Quality Assessment for Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC), Zambia
Module 4: Water Quality Monitoring Program Design and Management
- Framework for designing effective monitoring programs
- Defining objectives, indicators, and monitoring frequency
- Institutional roles, coordination, and stakeholder engagement
- Data management, visualization, and reporting using GIS tools
- Case Study: Designing a Community-Based Water Quality Monitoring Program in Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Module 5: Emerging Issues and Innovations in Water Quality Management
- Emerging contaminants: pharmaceuticals, plastics, and pesticides
- Climate change impacts on water quality and availability
- Use of remote sensing, IoT sensors, and data analytics in water quality monitoring
- Policy frameworks for integrated water resources management
- Case Study: Application of Smart Monitoring Technologies in the Lake Victoria Basin
Related Courses
Course Administration Details
Methodology
These instructor-led training sessions are delivered using a blended learning approach and include presentations, guided practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience as professionals and trainers in these fields. All facilitation and course materials are offered in English. Participants should be reasonably proficient in the language.
Accreditation
Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued an Indepth Research Institute (IRES) certificate certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
Training Venue
The training will be held at IRES Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and lunch. All participants will additionally cater to their travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
Accommodation and Airport Transfer
Accommodation and Airport Transfer are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training Officer.
Tailor-Made
This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our IRES Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on:
Payment
Payment should be transferred to the IRES account through a bank on or before the start of the course. Send proof of payment to [email protected]
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