ENVS635 - Current Issues in the Delaware River Basin: An Insider's Perspective

This course will connect students with thought leaders and experts working to solve the critical water challenges of the 21st century. Students will go behind the scenes of the "water business" and meet with some of the nation's leading professionals and practitioners through 3 days of site visits to some of the world's greatest public water systems - Philadelphia, NYC and Washington, DC and to the headquarters of several of our nation's most innovative private water companies - Aqua American, American Water and Suez Water. These professionals and practitioners are invested in meeting today's water challenges which include delivering potable drinking water, managing rainwater/flooding, treating wastewater and protecting and enhancing our rivers and streams. Major challenges and issues to be investigated throughout the course include: climate impact on our water supplies and rivers; how we are adapting our natural and anthropogenic systems to make them more resilient and sustainable; emerging contaminants and technologies to monitor and treat these contaminants; the conflict between managing for drought and flood; public versus private business models; and equity, justice and the very value of water. Readings are required prior to the start of the course with a report and presentation as a wrap-up. Professor Neukrug, former Water Commissioner and CEO of Philadelphia Water will be available for pre-course discussions to ensure students are ready to jump into the water on day 1 of the class.