This course provides students with in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of different types of water (drinking water and the types of raw water used to produce it, water used in industrial processes, bathing water and wastewater) and the chemical and microbiological threats posed to the quality of water. Information will be provided on how various treatment technologies can be used to eliminate or reduce the impact of impurities in water. In group work and demonstration courses, training will be provided on the identification of threats to water safety, the chlorination of water, the analysis of water-borne epidemics and the preparation of bathing water profiles. This course is designed for experts in the water industry (the employees of water cooperatives and municipal water treatment plants), experts and public servants involved in environmental health and protection, private water companies and students in the sector.

Water hygiene of bathing water (1 credit)

During this day-long course, students are introduced to legislation on recreational water (swimming pools and outdoor bathing areas) and to the management of water quality in the aquatic environment around recreational waters. In particular, detailed knowledge will be provided of the possible health risks associated with such environments and the available means of preventing and reducing these risks. In the form of practical work experience, participants will also have the opportunity to chart bathing area risks, draw up bathing water profiles and define bathing water quality categories on the basis of long-term monitoring data. The course is intended for environmental health professionals whose work involves issues related to determining and managing the quality of bathing water.

Analysing water-borne epidemics (1 credit)

In this day-long course, students will learn about the causes of water-borne epidemics and how such outbreaks can be contained. They will also explore the characteristics of water-borne microbes, water-borne epidemics in Finland and their consequences and, most of all, the means of containing such epidemics. Special attention will be paid to the disinfection of water and evaluating the effectiveness of disinfection measures. During working practice, students will learn how to contain water-borne epidemics based on various examples.

Threats to water safety (1 credit)

This one-day course will provide students with detailed knowledge of chemical, biological and radioactive threats to the safety of drinking water. Participants will be able to apply what they learn to the identification of threats to water safety at their own water treatment plants.

Management of drinking water quality (1 credit)

On this five-hour course, students will learn about the factors affecting the quality and changes in the quality of drinking water supplied via the water supply network. They will study the physical-chemical characteristics and microbiology of water. Special attention will be paid to the effect of water treatment on microbes and their nutrition. The reasons for the microbiological contamination of drinking water will also be studied.

Management of threats to water safety (1 credit)

This one-day course will focus on the elimination of microbiological and chemical factors posing a risk to the safety of drinking water, or the reduction of any effects such factors may have. Students will became familiar with various water treatment techniques and how these affect the chemical and microbiological quality of water. Special attention will be paid to the disinfection of water and the effects of disinfection measures.