The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of issues and methods in water resources management, and is set especially within the framework of total, or integrated, catchment management. The course gives an introduction to the unique hydrology of Australia, major issues of water resource management, the implications of past water management practices, the principles of integrated catchment management and sustainability, and current management tools and strategies.

Topics will include: the components of the hydrological cycle; impacts of land and water management on water quantity and quality; water demand and allocation among users, including the environment; the institutional and policy aspects of Water Resource Management (WRM); onground strategies of WRM; and integrated modelling of water and land resources. The course emphasises the interdisciplinarity of water resource management and examines integrated assessment, which is a method that seeks to solve water management problems by investigating the physical, economic, social and institutional components of a problem.Water ethics is a key theme that underpins and links many components of the course.

 

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Interpret and explain the complex interplay between people, climate, land, water and economic development in water resource management in Australia;
2. Explain and analyse how the changing balance over time in water availability, demand for water and value of water informs (and has been informed by) the history of development, institutional arrangements, policy and management;
3. Demonstrate familiarity with a range of water resource management issues, including origins, impacts and management interventions in both rural and urban settings;
4. Integrate information from a range of disciplines into a comprehensive picture of a water resource management issue;
5. Demonstrate the relationship between raw data and the interpretation(s) that stem from it, and how a lack of knowledge or uncertain knowledge influences resource management decision-making;
6. Evaluate appropriate methods for tackling water resource management problems.

Research-Led Teaching

The research activities of the course convenor and a number of guest lecturers complement and underpin this course. The workshops engage students in active enquiry based learning opportunities that are derived from current research in water management around the world.

Field Trips

No field trips for this course

Additional Course Costs

there are no additional costs to students for this course.

Examination Material or equipment

There is no formal examination for this course, however, there is an open book test in the final week of semester in which reading materials are permitted. The answers will be handwritten and drawn on paper.

Required Resources

No special resources are required.

Recommended Resources

There are no required reference materials for this course. Readings will be posted on Wattle each week, and students are encouraged to search the literature for relevant papers and reference material.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments on assignments;
• Written and verbal comments on group presentations;
• Verbal feedback to the whole class on group activities and on assignments;
• Additional, individual feedback on request.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Students should refer to the Canvas site for current delivery information for the course this semester. Lecture A: Introduction: the water resource base and its development Lecture B: Water supply, use and values Workshop: Introduction
2	Lecture A: Water ethicsLecture B: Indigenous waterWorkshop: Water ethics	The Once and Future Delta released
3	Lecture A: Water and genderLecture B: River regulation and IrrigationWorkshop: Interrogating the Ord
4	Lecture A: Acid mine drainageLecture B: Mining and waterWorkshop: The Once and Future Delta: presentations and adaptation strategy development
5	Lecture A: Complex problems in water managementLecture B: Water Management in the PacificWorkshop: Complex problems
6	Lecture A: Environmental waterLecture B: Water sharing and the WDB BasinWorkshop: Delta Adaptation Strategy development	Research paper due Monday 30th March (40%)
7	Lecture A: Urban water and sustainabilityLecture B: Peri-urbanisationWorkshop: Delta Adaptation Strategy drafting sections and preferred options
8	Lecture A: Water management and ecologyLecture B: Stakeholder engagementWorkshop: The Delta Adaptation Strategy	In class Final Delta Adaptation Strategy completed and submitted 28th April (30%)
9	Lecture A: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)Lecture B: Catchment ManagementWorkshop: Unpacking IWRM in an interrupted case study scenario	Quiz (3.33%)
10	Lecture A: Global issues: Contaminated watersLecture B: Global issues: Water management for human healthWorkshop: Water management for human health	Quiz (3.33%)
11	Lecture A: Global issues: transboundary waterLecture B: Global issues: water conflicts and diplomacyWorkshop: Water diplomacy and negotiation	Quiz (3.33%)
12	Lecture A: Ecohydrology Lecture B: No lectureWorkshop: Open book test	Open book test (20%) in class time

Tutorial Registration

n/a

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Research paper	40 %	30/03/2026	2,3,4
Once and Future Delta - Adaptation Strategy	30 %	28/04/2026	2,3,4,6
Quizzes	10 %	*	1,2,3,4,6
Open Book Test	20 %	26/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Research paper

Define and critically explore the term Aqua Nullius in relation to Indigenous Water Rights in Australia, identifying how these rights have progressed over time. What are the key impediments to Indigenous cultural and economic water rights, and, what are the most effective instruments by which these can be overcome? 

Word limit: 3000 plus tables and references. 

Value: 40%

Due date: March 30th via TURNITIN on Canvas.  

Estimated return date: Feedback provided within two weeks

Rubric: Please refer to Assessment Rubrics on Canvas

Assessment Task 2

Once and Future Delta - Adaptation Strategy

This assessment comprises group activities that critically explore, and demonstrate an understanding of, an environmentally complex system and incorporates ethical considerations. The final output is a collaboratively created Adaptation Strategy for a rapidly changing and highly valuable deltaic environment

Recommended length: ~ 6,000 words

Value: 30% (group mark)

Due date: April 28th

Estimated return date: Feedback provided within two weeks

Rubric: Please refer to Assessment Rubrics on Canvas

Assessment Task 3

Quizzes

Three short online quizzes are linked to the Workshops in Weeks 9, 10 and 11. A series of questions relate to the issues covered in these workshops.

Value: 3.33% each totalling 10%

Due date: May 6th; May 13th; May 20th

Assessment Task 4

Open Book Test

At the end of the semester, students will take an open book test during class time. The answers will require hand written and drawn answers.

Value: 20%

Due date: May 26th

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

Assignments are submitted using Turnitin in the course Canvas site. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a penalty of 5% per working day late will be imposed.

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure.

The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request it in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Feedback on assignments is provided on the hard copy submissions, and results are posted up on the Canvas grade sheet.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Re-submission of assignments is not permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students