CRSS (FORS) 1020 - Introduction to Water Resources

Course Summary:

An introduction to the science and policy related to managing fresh water resources. Fundamental hydrologic processes, how the United States has managed water through history, and the environmental impact of water resources management.

Instructors:

  • David Radcliffe, Crop and Soil Science Department
  • Todd Rasmussen, Forestry & Natural Resources

    Time and Location:

  • MWF 10:10-11:00
  • Student Learning Center, Rm 213

    Grading Policy:

  • Weekly Quiz (10 points each)
  • Term project (50 points)
  • Exam 1, Chap 1-5, Fri, Sept 28 (100 points)
  • Exam 2, Chap 6-11, Wed, Oct 24 (100 points)
  • Final, Fri, Dec 14, 8-11 (150 points)

    • Other Resources

  • Class Photographs
  • Glen Canyon Dam Video [246 Mbytes]

    • Textbook:

  • Cech, Thomas V., 2005 Principles of Water Resources: History, Development, Management, and Policy, Second Edition, John Wiley and Sons,

    Topical Outline:

    Week Lecturer Chapter Guest Lecture
    Aug 17 DR Course Introduction Radcliffe, CRSS
    Aug 20-24 TR 1. Historical perspective on water use and development Morris, FORS
    Aug 27-31 DR 2. The hydrologic cycle, climate, and weather Shepherd, GEOG
    Sep 5-7 TR 3. Surface water hydrology Jackson, FORS
    Sep 10-14 DR 4. Groundwater hydrology Stachura, Brown & Caldwell"
    Sep 17-21 DR 5. Water quality Black, EHSC
    Sep 24-28 DR 6. Municipal and irrigation water development Exam 1
    Oct 1-5 TR 7. Dams Streamtrip
    Oct 8-12 TR 8. Water allocation law Fowler, ECOL
    Oct 15-19 DR 9. Federal agencies Leo, Gwinnett
    DR 10. Local, state, and multistate water management agencies
    Oct 22-24 TR 11. Drinking water and wastewater treatment Exam 2
    Oct 29-Nov 2 DR 12. Water, Fish, and Wildlife Carroll, FORS
    Nov 5-9 TR 13. Economics of Water Mullen, AAEC
    Nov 12-16 DR 14. Water Use Conflicts Parker, CVIOG
    Nov 19 TR 15. Emerging Water Issues Break
    Nov 26-30 TR 15 (cont) and Student Projects
    Dec 3-5 Student Projects
    Dec 8 Final Exam, Friday, 8-11 am

    Course Objectives:

    1. The importance of water resources in both human and ecologic terms, including knowledge of: a) the uses of water resources to meet human needs; b) the role of water resources management to protect environmental systems; c) the laws and agencies that currently regulate and manage water resources; and d) the historical and modern conflicts that have arisen due to water scarcity.
    2. The scientific basis for managing water resources, including knowledge related to: a) the quantification of water resources measurements, including volumes, fluxes, concentrations, and loads; b) the occurrence and movement of components of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, surface, and ground water; and c) the components of water quality, including the physical, chemical, and biological aspects.

    University Honor Code and Academic Honesty Policy: