Understanding Water Quality Statistics (AARDVARK)

Course overview

This online course has been designed to provide water quality professionals with an accessible introduction to important statistical concepts, and to show how appropriate methods can be used to answer common questions such as:

• Is water or effluent quality getting better or worse, or more or less variable?
• What is the risk of non-compliance?
• When have changes occurred and were they gradual or sudden?
• Are we doing enough sampling…or too much?

Included within the material is training in the use of WRc's software package AARDVARK, which enables users to quickly and easily visualise and analyse routine environmental, drinking water and effluent monitoring data. The AARDVARK software package is a Catchment Management solution developed by WRc as part of a suite of statistical techniques and tools for the Environment Agency. Training in its use has been continually updated and delivered to hundreds of delegates.

Who can benefit?

Delegates may include professionals working in water quality, as well as others looking to expand their knowledge of statistical methods in relation to the water industry. The level of detail is suited to individuals who are already familiar with statistics, for example those with an analytical or statistical background, or who have completed a science, maths or engineering degree, or equivalent. 

Relevant roles may include: water quality planners and modellers; catchment managers; water quality scientists; data analysts; regulatory compliance managers; and permitting officers. 

Training outline

Flexible course delivery via our online leaning platform allows delegates to complete modules at their own pace and around their own schedules (equivalent of 1 day's learning). The course price includes the exclusive opportunity for a 1-hour 1-1 mentoring session (online video or audio call) in English with this course's dedicated Technical Specialist. This is a great opportunity for participants to reflect on what they have learned, ask any questions, and benefit from an individual discussion with a WRc expert at a time that suits (within normal UK working hours).

Through easily-digestible tutorials and practicals, delegates will be armed with a toolbox of simple statistical methods and have the knowledge and skills to apply these in their day-to-day roles:

• Essential statistical concepts
• Characterising and quantifying water quality, as well as testing for changes over time
• Dealing with common data quality problems and measuring uncertainty
• Using the AARDVARK software package
• Understanding water quality standards
• Compliance assessment statistical theory and practice, including detecting non-compliance
• Classifying environmental status