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Water Security & Stewardship

Erin Wilson

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In this course, spread over ten modules, participants will learn about:

• the water cycle

• hydrology

• groundwater models

• human impacts on freshwater ecosystems

• water governance

Read more

In order to access this course without a fee, please follow the below steps:

1. Click the blue ‘Enroll’ button

2. At the bottom of the pop-up window, click the ‘Audit the course’ option

3. For more information on auditing a course, please see details in this Learner Help Center article: https://www.coursera.support/s/article/209818613-Enrollment-options?language=en_US

In this course, spread over ten modules, participants will learn about:

• the water cycle

• hydrology

• groundwater models

• human impacts on freshwater ecosystems

• water governance

• water law

• the economics of water infrastructure

• scenario planning and municipal water

Enroll now

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What's inside

Syllabus

Water Security
Water in the Supply Chain
Corporate Water Stewardship
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an academic understanding of water and its related fields, including hydrology, hydrogeology, and water governance
Covers economics, water infrastructure, and scenario planning, making graduates ready for water-related roles in business
Offered at no cost, allowing learners to access the course without financial barriers

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive water stewardship for professionals

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and well-structured overview of water security, particularly emphasizing water governance, economics, and corporate water stewardship. Learners find its content highly relevant and practical for professionals in sustainability, environmental policy, and business, with many praising the insightful real-world case studies and clear instructors. While generally well-received for its breadth and up-to-date perspectives, some feedback indicates a more theoretical approach, with a desire for more hands-on applications or deeper technical coverage. The course is best suited for those seeking a broad understanding rather than specialized technical skills.
Well-structured modules with clear and articulate instructors.
"The instructors were clear and articulate. I found the inclusion of real-world case studies very beneficial, making the theoretical concepts much more tangible."
"Fantastic course! The bite-sized lectures made it easy to consume alongside my full-time job. I appreciated the actionable strategies."
"Very informative and well-structured. The course does an admirable job of presenting complex topics in an accessible manner."
Highly relevant and practical for professionals in related fields.
"It's highly relevant for my work in corporate sustainability. I highly recommend for professionals."
"The content on water in the supply chain and corporate water stewardship was exactly what I needed."
"As a business owner, understanding the implications of water scarcity on supply chains is crucial. This course illuminated many areas."
Provides a broad, multi-disciplinary understanding of water security.
"This course provided an excellent, comprehensive overview of water security from a multi-disciplinary perspective."
"It covers a wide range of topics, giving a solid foundation in water stewardship. The breadth was impressive."
"The course provided a holistic view of water challenges and solutions, which I found incredibly valuable."
Some older content could benefit from reflecting latest advancements.
"The course has a decent overview but some parts felt a bit outdated, particularly around specific technological solutions mentioned. It could benefit from an update to reflect the latest advancements."
"I wish the course content was more current, as some information felt a little behind the curve in specific areas."
Strong on policy/management, but some desire more technical skills.
"I felt some topics could have gone into more depth, especially the technical aspects of hydrology. It leans more towards policy and management than hard science."
"I was hoping for more practical exercises or tools that I could use directly in my job. The discussion forums were not very active."
"The course felt too academic and theoretical for my needs. I'm a field engineer, and I was looking for practical methods, but it mostly discussed policy and economics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Water Security & Stewardship with these activities:
Review high school level hydrology
Reinforce your understanding of concepts covered in high school level hydrology to get the most out of this course.
Browse courses on Hydrology
Show steps
  • Review notes from high school hydrology class.
  • Take a practice quiz or exam to test your understanding.
  • Watch online videos or tutorials on hydrology.
Review water-resource engineering principles
Get a head start on the material covered in the course by brushing up on your knowledge of water-resource engineering.
Browse courses on Hydrology
Show steps
  • Review basic concepts of hydrology, such as the water cycle and groundwater flow
  • Review principles of water-resource engineering, such as hydraulics and water quality
  • Solve practice problems to reinforce your understanding
Solve practice problems on water cycle and hydrology
Practice solving problems related to the water cycle and hydrology to improve your understanding and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Water Cycle
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Solve the problems and check your answers.
  • Review your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Solve hydrology problems
Practice solving hydrology problems to reinforce your understanding of water flow and storage.
Browse courses on Hydrology
Show steps
  • Identify the given information and what is being asked.
  • Sketch a diagram of the problem.
  • Apply the appropriate equations and principles.
  • Check your answer for reasonableness.
Join a study group or discussion forum
Engage with other students to discuss course material, ask questions, and share insights to enhance your understanding.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or discussion forum related to the course.
  • Attend meetings or participate in online discussions.
Create a mind map of water governance and law
Create a visual representation of the key concepts and relationships in water governance and law to enhance your understanding and retention.
Browse courses on Water Governance
Show steps
  • Identify the main concepts and relationships in water governance and law.
  • Use a mind mapping tool or software to create a visual representation.
  • Add details and examples to support your main concepts.
Develop a water conservation plan
Creating a water conservation plan will help you understand the challenges and strategies involved in managing water resources.
Browse courses on Human Impacts on Freshwater Ecosystems
Show steps
  • Research water conservation techniques.
  • Identify areas where water can be conserved.
  • Develop a plan for implementing the conservation measures.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.
Follow tutorials on groundwater models
Enhance your understanding of groundwater models by following guided tutorials and applying them to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Groundwater Models
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials or courses on groundwater models.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
  • Apply the models to real-world scenarios and analyze the results.
Develop a water management plan for a local community
Apply your knowledge of water management to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the needs of a local community and enhances your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Browse courses on Water Management
Show steps
  • Gather data on the community's water resources, infrastructure, and usage.
  • Identify the challenges and opportunities facing the community.
  • Develop a plan that outlines strategies for addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities.
Volunteer at a local water conservation organization
Gain hands-on experience in water conservation and contribute to your community while reinforcing your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Water Conservation
Show steps
  • Find a local water conservation organization.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities such as cleanups, educational outreach, or restoration projects.
Participate in a water-related competition or hackathon
Challenge yourself and apply your knowledge in a competitive environment to deepen your understanding and foster creativity.
Show steps
  • Find a water-related competition or hackathon that aligns with your interests.
  • Form a team or participate individually.
  • Develop a solution to the competition challenge.

Career center

Learners who complete Water Security & Stewardship will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants analyze the environmental impact of projects and policies in order to help organizations develop and implement sustainable solutions. This course provides a solid foundation in hydrology, water governance, and the economics of water infrastructure, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Environmental Consultants. The course also covers human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, which can be useful for understanding the environmental risks associated with various projects and policies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant
Water Resource Manager
Water Resource Managers are responsible for developing and implementing plans to manage water resources in a sustainable way. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the water cycle, hydrology, groundwater models, water governance, water law, and the economics of water infrastructure. This knowledge is essential for Water Resource Managers to effectively manage water resources and ensure a safe and reliable water supply for communities and businesses.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resource Manager
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study the movement, distribution, and quality of water on the Earth's surface and in the ground. This course provides a strong foundation in hydrology, including groundwater models, which are essential for Hydrologists to understand how water moves through the environment. The course also covers human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, which can be useful for understanding the environmental impacts of various land use practices and water management strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist
Water Quality Scientist
Water Quality Scientists analyze the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water to ensure that it is safe for human consumption and environmental health. This course provides a solid foundation in the water cycle, hydrology, and human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Water Quality Scientists. The course also covers water law, which is important for understanding the regulations that govern water quality management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Quality Scientist
Water Policy Analyst
Water Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that govern the use and management of water resources. This course provides a comprehensive overview of water governance, water law, and the economics of water infrastructure, all of which are essential knowledge areas for Water Policy Analysts. The course also covers human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, which can be useful for understanding the environmental impacts of various water policies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Policy Analyst
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water Treatment Plant Operators are responsible for operating and maintaining water treatment plants to ensure that drinking water is safe for human consumption. This course provides a strong foundation in the water cycle, hydrology, and water quality, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Water Treatment Plant Operators. The course also covers water law, which is important for understanding the regulations that govern water treatment plant operations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water Conservation Specialist
Water Conservation Specialists develop and implement programs to promote water conservation and reduce water use. This course provides a solid foundation in the water cycle, hydrology, and human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Water Conservation Specialists. The course also covers water law, which is important for understanding the regulations that govern water conservation programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Conservation Specialist
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers design and manage water resources systems, such as dams, reservoirs, and canals. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the water cycle, hydrology, groundwater models, and the economics of water infrastructure, all of which are essential knowledge areas for Water Resources Engineers. The course also covers water law, which is important for understanding the regulations that govern water resources engineering projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer
Water Utility Manager
Water Utility Managers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of water utilities, which provide water to communities and businesses. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the water cycle, hydrology, water governance, water law, and the economics of water infrastructure, all of which are essential knowledge areas for Water Utility Managers. The course also covers human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, which can be useful for understanding the environmental impacts of water utility operations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Utility Manager
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts study the impacts of climate change on water resources and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies. This course provides a solid foundation in the water cycle, hydrology, and human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Climate Change Analysts. The course also covers scenario planning, which is a useful tool for developing adaptation and mitigation strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations to develop and implement sustainable practices. This course provides a solid foundation in the water cycle, hydrology, and human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Sustainability Consultants. The course also covers water governance, water law, and the economics of water infrastructure, which are important for understanding the regulatory and economic context of sustainability initiatives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, including water pollution and water scarcity. This course provides a solid foundation in the water cycle, hydrology, and human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Environmental Engineers. The course also covers water governance, water law, and the economics of water infrastructure, which are important for understanding the regulatory and economic context of environmental engineering projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and history, including the formation and movement of water. This course provides a solid foundation in the water cycle, hydrology, and groundwater models, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Geologists. The course also covers human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, which can be useful for understanding the environmental impacts of various land use practices and water management strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist
Geographer
Geographers study the Earth's physical and human geography, including the distribution of water resources. This course provides a solid foundation in the water cycle, hydrology, and human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Geographers. The course also covers water governance, water law, and the economics of water infrastructure, which are important for understanding the political and economic factors that affect water resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer
Urban Planner
Urban Planners design and manage cities and towns, including the planning and management of water resources. This course provides a solid foundation in the water cycle, hydrology, and human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, all of which are critical knowledge areas for Urban Planners. The course also covers water governance, water law, and the economics of water infrastructure, which are important for understanding the regulatory and economic context of urban planning.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Water Security & Stewardship.
Cover image
Historical Dictionary of Environmentalism
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the global water crisis, from its causes to its solutions. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this critical issue.
Historical Dictionary of Environmentalism
Paperback
Check
Historical Dictionary of Environmentalism
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Fundamentals of Water Security
Save
This textbook offers a comprehensive overview of water security, discussing the concept, principles, perspectives, and practices. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the complex issues surrounding water security and is useful as a background resource.
Fundamentals of Water Security: Quantity, Quality,...
Paperback
$$$
Fundamentals of Water Security: Quantity, Quality,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Trade Policy and the Global Participation
Save
This textbook offers a comprehensive overview of water resources planning and management, covering topics such as water quality, water infrastructure, and water policy. It provides a broader context for the course's focus on water security and stewardship.
Trade Policy and the Global Participation
Paperback
Check
Trade Policy and the Global Participation
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
A Twenty-First Century US Water Policy
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of water law, covering topics such as water rights, water quality regulation, and water dispute resolution. It offers insights into the legal framework governing water use and management.
A Twenty-First Century US Water Policy
Paperback
Check
A Twenty-First Century US Water Policy
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Economics of Water Resources
Save
Examines the economic principles and practices related to water infrastructure development and management. It provides insights into the costs and benefits of water infrastructure projects.
The Economics of Water Resources: A Comprehensive...
Paperback
$$
The Economics of Water Resources: A Comprehensive...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Water Conflicts
Save
Provides a global perspective on water security, discussing issues such as water scarcity, water quality, and water governance. It offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of managing water resources in different regions.
Water Conflicts: Analysis for Transformation
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Engineers, Society, and Sustainability
Save
Explores the ethical dimensions of water use and management, discussing topics such as water rights, water justice, and water sustainability. It offers insights into the ethical considerations surrounding water resources.
Engineers, Society, and Sustainability (Synthesis...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Water Resource Systems Planning and Management
Save
This textbook provides an introduction to water resources systems planning and management, discussing methods, models, and applications. It offers insights into the technical aspects of water resources management.
Water Resource Systems Planning and Management: An...
Kindle Edition
Check Price

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Course image
Effort
9 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
PepsiCo
Instructor
Erin Wilson
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called PepsiCo: Water Stewardship. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Water Security & Stewardship (viewing)
  2. The Water Cycle
  3. Water Governance & Economics
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an academic understanding of water and its related fields, including hydrology, hydrogeology, and water governance
Covers economics, water infrastructure, and scenario planning, making graduates ready for water-related roles in business
Offered at no cost, allowing learners to access the course without financial barriers
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