
Course in Drinking Water for Islands and Coastal Areas
The Course in Drinking Water for Islands and Coastal Areas Prepares you to plan and manage drinking water supply on islands and in coastal areas, where fresh water is scarce and vulnerable. You will study island water resources, p
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
What is the Course in Drinking Water for Islands and Coastal Areas?
The Course in Drinking Water for Islands and Coastal Areas
Prepares you to plan and manage drinking water supply on islands and in coastal areas, where fresh water is scarce and vulnerable. You will study island water resources, protecting coastal aquifers from seawater intrusion, desalination at different scales, distribution, water quality and making supply resilient to droughts, storms and peaks in tourist demand.
Key advantages
- A specific context: The water challenges of islands and coasts, covered as a whole.
- Every source: Aquifers, rainwater, water reuse and desalination.
- Quality and health: Treating and monitoring drinking water.
- Resilience: Planning for droughts, emergencies and climate change.
- Case study: A water supply plan for an island or coastal town.
Programme highlights
- Know the resources: Assess the water resources of islands and coasts.
- Protect aquifers: Prevent seawater intrusion.
- Integrate desalination: Choose the right scale and technology.
- Ensure quality: Manage water for human consumption.
- Boost your career: Strengthen your profile for water utilities, public bodies and development organisations.
- Train to secure drinking water where the sea surrounds every drop.
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
Water on Islands and in Coastal Areas
- The island water balance
- Residential, tourist and agricultural demand
- Vulnerability of resources
- Effects of climate change
- Water governance on islands
Coastal Aquifers and Seawater Intrusion
- Hydrogeology of coastal aquifers
- Freshwater lenses on islands
- Mechanisms of seawater intrusion
- Monitoring salinity
- Protection and recharge measures
Alternative Sources and Desalination
- Rainwater harvesting
- Reuse of reclaimed water
- Large-scale desalination
- Small and modular plants
- Integrating sources into the system
Distribution and Water Quality
- Networks and service reservoirs
- Leakage control
- Treatment and disinfection
- Remineralising desalinated water
- Health monitoring of drinking water
Resilience and Planning
- Drought management plans
- Emergency water supply
- Efficiency and demand management
- Water costs and tariffs
- Case study: a water supply plan for an island or coastal town
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Water utility staff: who manage systems on islands or coasts Civil, environmental or chemical engineers: who want to specialise in water Local authority staff: responsible for municipal supply Tourism sector professionals: who manage water at coastal facilities Development specialists: working in small island states
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.








Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Learning Outcomes
- 01Assess island water resources
- 02Protect coastal aquifers
- 03Select desalination solutions
- 04Manage distribution
- 05Ensure water quality
- 06Plan for resilience
Career Opportunities
Entry Requirements
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry profile: Studies or training in engineering, environmental science, geology or a related science; or professional experience in water management. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.
