Assessor Resource

AHCSUS501
Develop and manage a plan for sustainable supply and use of water on a farm

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency covers the development and management of a plan to provide a reliable supply of quality water on a property. The plan will review trading rules and regulations and the costs associated with supply and use of all classes of water. Testing of water is undertaken to assess suitable quality for stock, domestic and irrigation purposes. The plan will include efficient use of minimum quantity of water and maintain the quality of the water in storage and the reticulation system. New farming practices can be improved by the selection and management of pastures and crops. Water is managed to protect sensitive areas from degradation. New and innovative methods of treatment and re-cycling are assessed. The quality of water leaving the farm and down- stream impact is monitored.

All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.

This unit is applicable to persons who have a role in managing the farm. This unit is likely to require consultation with external experts, such as water authorities, shire council planning personnel, irrigation suppliers and State Government departments.

No occupational licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Develop a plan for strategic and sustainable use of water on the farm

1.1 Determine the feasibility of trading water on the short term profitability of the farm and the long term implications

1.2 Contact the authorities to determine rules and regulations for the trading and use of water

1.3 Investigate the availability of different classes of water and the regulations for its use and select suitable crops for each class

1.4 Select appropriate recycling options in the whole farm plan

1.5 Analyse purification options on the basis of their merits and suitability for the environment and the enterprise

1.6 Evaluate information from water management specialists and incorporate in relevant aspects of water management

1.7 Review options, develop and implement strategies to use water efficiently by computer controlled irrigation systems and remote operation

2. Design a water supply and management system for the farm

2.1 Identify planning parameters that affect the design of the water system

2.2 Carry out water testing to determine the suitability for stock, crops, pesticide and domestic use

2.3 Draw a plan and layout of a farm water system, including provision for drainage, recycling and back up water supply

3. Develop and implement a plan to protect watercourses and water quality on the farm

3.1 Develop a strategy to protect the areas susceptible to degradation and contamination

3.2 Identify the environmental implication of water use and run off

3.3 Work with community groups to plan a strategy for water quality improvement in the district

3.4 Develop a strategy to improve the biodiversity of water storage areas and watercourses

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

analyse weather patterns, rainfall and variability

take water samples for testing and interpret test results

fence eroded areas, dams, streams and rivers to protect vegetation and water quality

research and source a wide range of local indigenous plants specific to revegetation area

select pasture and crop species

construct drains and effluent collection sites

calculate the total farm water requirement for the enterprise, natural areas, farmhouse and garden

analyse financial return from purchased water

irrigate crops and pastures efficiently

map erosion, salt and problem areas

compare pumps and other equipment for energy efficiency

calculate the cost of production including purchased water, storage, transfer and application

fill out applications and forms for licensing and registration

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

the variation and risk associated with weather patterns

volume of water used for production and living

the classes of water required for production

the various sources of water and suitable storage

methods of water quality testing

water efficient pasture and native species

crop cultivation methods for moisture retention and optimum production

efficient irrigation practice

methods of recycling water

the water cycle

the impact of water shortage on natural systems

the causes and consequences of contaminated water

the legal aspects of licensing, registration and trading of water

methods of transferring water using renewable energy

appropriate management when water and rain are limited

water purchasing and water trading policies and procedures

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Develop a plan for strategic and sustainable use of water on the farm

1.1 Determine the feasibility of trading water on the short term profitability of the farm and the long term implications

1.2 Contact the authorities to determine rules and regulations for the trading and use of water

1.3 Investigate the availability of different classes of water and the regulations for its use and select suitable crops for each class

1.4 Select appropriate recycling options in the whole farm plan

1.5 Analyse purification options on the basis of their merits and suitability for the environment and the enterprise

1.6 Evaluate information from water management specialists and incorporate in relevant aspects of water management

1.7 Review options, develop and implement strategies to use water efficiently by computer controlled irrigation systems and remote operation

2. Design a water supply and management system for the farm

2.1 Identify planning parameters that affect the design of the water system

2.2 Carry out water testing to determine the suitability for stock, crops, pesticide and domestic use

2.3 Draw a plan and layout of a farm water system, including provision for drainage, recycling and back up water supply

3. Develop and implement a plan to protect watercourses and water quality on the farm

3.1 Develop a strategy to protect the areas susceptible to degradation and contamination

3.2 Identify the environmental implication of water use and run off

3.3 Work with community groups to plan a strategy for water quality improvement in the district

3.4 Develop a strategy to improve the biodiversity of water storage areas and watercourses

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

analyse weather patterns, rainfall and variability

take water samples for testing and interpret test results

fence eroded areas, dams, streams and rivers to protect vegetation and water quality

research and source a wide range of local indigenous plants specific to revegetation area

select pasture and crop species

construct drains and effluent collection sites

calculate the total farm water requirement for the enterprise, natural areas, farmhouse and garden

analyse financial return from purchased water

irrigate crops and pastures efficiently

map erosion, salt and problem areas

compare pumps and other equipment for energy efficiency

calculate the cost of production including purchased water, storage, transfer and application

fill out applications and forms for licensing and registration

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

the variation and risk associated with weather patterns

volume of water used for production and living

the classes of water required for production

the various sources of water and suitable storage

methods of water quality testing

water efficient pasture and native species

crop cultivation methods for moisture retention and optimum production

efficient irrigation practice

methods of recycling water

the water cycle

the impact of water shortage on natural systems

the causes and consequences of contaminated water

the legal aspects of licensing, registration and trading of water

methods of transferring water using renewable energy

appropriate management when water and rain are limited

water purchasing and water trading policies and procedures

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Determine the feasibility of trading water on the short term profitability of the farm and the long term implications 
Contact the authorities to determine rules and regulations for the trading and use of water 
Investigate the availability of different classes of water and the regulations for its use and select suitable crops for each class 
Select appropriate recycling options in the whole farm plan 
Analyse purification options on the basis of their merits and suitability for the environment and the enterprise 
Evaluate information from water management specialists and incorporate in relevant aspects of water management 
Review options, develop and implement strategies to use water efficiently by computer controlled irrigation systems and remote operation 
Identify planning parameters that affect the design of the water system 
Carry out water testing to determine the suitability for stock, crops, pesticide and domestic use 
Draw a plan and layout of a farm water system, including provision for drainage, recycling and back up water supply 
Develop a strategy to protect the areas susceptible to degradation and contamination 
Identify the environmental implication of water use and run off 
Work with community groups to plan a strategy for water quality improvement in the district 
Develop a strategy to improve the biodiversity of water storage areas and watercourses 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSUS501 - Develop and manage a plan for sustainable supply and use of water on a farm
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

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Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCSUS501 - Develop and manage a plan for sustainable supply and use of water on a farm

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: