Assessor Resource

NWPTRT062
Operate and control reclaimed water irrigation

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills required to operate and control reclaimed water irrigation and the use of reclaimed water for irrigation practices.

This unit applies to those working as staff members with a specific responsibility for analysing the critical aspects of reclaimed water reuse management relating to a project or site and implementing reclaimed water reuse irrigation.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work under indirect supervision, performing routine tasks in a familiar context, ensuring minimum damage to the environment.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to 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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Assess sites for reclaimed water irrigation

1.1 Identify soil/water interactions and soil properties important for plant growth.

1.2 Identify soil sampling sites, collect samples and conduct soil testing.

1.3 Classify soils using field texture, pH and structure analysis.

1.4 Monitor and determine the water holding capacity of the soil.

2. Assess quality of reclaimed water for irrigation

2.1 Sample and test reclaimed water and interpret quality parameters.

2.2 Determine crops suitable for the quality of reclaimed water and site conditions.

3. Implement reclaimed water irrigation

3.1 Identify basic features of irrigation systems.

3.2 Operate and maintain irrigation equipment.

3.3 Identify and apply irrigation scheduling options for reclaimed water.

3.4 Produce water budgets using crop factors and climate data.

3.5 Apply irrigation water and collect and monitor tail water or runoff.

4. Respond to water or soil quality issues

4.1 Develop irrigation management options to respond to water quality issues.

4.2 Identify and apply requirements and options for soil ameliorants.

4.3 Monitor infiltration and drainage.

5. Compile reclaimed water irrigation records

5.1 Compile reports from system data.

5.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

monitoring and managing soil

solving operational problems

accessing, interpreting and applying relevant legislation

apply environmental policies, plans and procedures

assessing environmental risks at the work site

identifying soil groups

using safety and personal protective equipment

sampling and testing soil and water

monitoring, operating and controlling reclaimed water irrigation

analysing critical aspects of reclaimed water reuse management relating to the project or site

implementing reclaimed water reuse irrigation

identifying environment, health and safety risks and impact on soil, stock and operators

applying environmental procedures

participating in and contributing to reviews of reclaimed water reuse procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

key principles of irrigation practices, including irrigation scheduling

key characteristics of reclaimed water

relevant legislative requirements

standard operating procedures

primary agencies involved in drinking water quality management

water quality performance indicators

an overview of the water supply system

water hazardous agents and preventative strategies

community and agency roles and responsibilities in monitoring water quality

best management practices for the use of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes

reclaimed water usage licensing procedures and requirements

environmental, landscape and ground structure of work area

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

interpretation and use of material safety data sheets

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Assess sites for reclaimed water irrigation

1.1 Identify soil/water interactions and soil properties important for plant growth.

1.2 Identify soil sampling sites, collect samples and conduct soil testing.

1.3 Classify soils using field texture, pH and structure analysis.

1.4 Monitor and determine the water holding capacity of the soil.

2. Assess quality of reclaimed water for irrigation

2.1 Sample and test reclaimed water and interpret quality parameters.

2.2 Determine crops suitable for the quality of reclaimed water and site conditions.

3. Implement reclaimed water irrigation

3.1 Identify basic features of irrigation systems.

3.2 Operate and maintain irrigation equipment.

3.3 Identify and apply irrigation scheduling options for reclaimed water.

3.4 Produce water budgets using crop factors and climate data.

3.5 Apply irrigation water and collect and monitor tail water or runoff.

4. Respond to water or soil quality issues

4.1 Develop irrigation management options to respond to water quality issues.

4.2 Identify and apply requirements and options for soil ameliorants.

4.3 Monitor infiltration and drainage.

5. Compile reclaimed water irrigation records

5.1 Compile reports from system data.

5.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

monitoring and managing soil

solving operational problems

accessing, interpreting and applying relevant legislation

apply environmental policies, plans and procedures

assessing environmental risks at the work site

identifying soil groups

using safety and personal protective equipment

sampling and testing soil and water

monitoring, operating and controlling reclaimed water irrigation

analysing critical aspects of reclaimed water reuse management relating to the project or site

implementing reclaimed water reuse irrigation

identifying environment, health and safety risks and impact on soil, stock and operators

applying environmental procedures

participating in and contributing to reviews of reclaimed water reuse procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

key principles of irrigation practices, including irrigation scheduling

key characteristics of reclaimed water

relevant legislative requirements

standard operating procedures

primary agencies involved in drinking water quality management

water quality performance indicators

an overview of the water supply system

water hazardous agents and preventative strategies

community and agency roles and responsibilities in monitoring water quality

best management practices for the use of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes

reclaimed water usage licensing procedures and requirements

environmental, landscape and ground structure of work area

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

interpretation and use of material safety data sheets

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
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
Identify soil/water interactions and soil properties important for plant growth. 
Identify soil sampling sites, collect samples and conduct soil testing. 
Classify soils using field texture, pH and structure analysis. 
Monitor and determine the water holding capacity of the soil. 
Sample and test reclaimed water and interpret quality parameters. 
Determine crops suitable for the quality of reclaimed water and site conditions. 
Identify basic features of irrigation systems. 
Operate and maintain irrigation equipment. 
Identify and apply irrigation scheduling options for reclaimed water. 
Produce water budgets using crop factors and climate data. 
Apply irrigation water and collect and monitor tail water or runoff. 
Develop irrigation management options to respond to water quality issues. 
Identify and apply requirements and options for soil ameliorants. 
Monitor infiltration and drainage. 
Compile reports from system data. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 
Identify soil/water interactions and soil properties important for plant growth. 
Identify soil sampling sites, collect samples and conduct soil testing. 
Classify soils using field texture, pH and structure analysis. 
Monitor and determine the water holding capacity of the soil. 
Sample and test reclaimed water and interpret quality parameters. 
Determine crops suitable for the quality of reclaimed water and site conditions. 
Identify basic features of irrigation systems. 
Operate and maintain irrigation equipment. 
Identify and apply irrigation scheduling options for reclaimed water. 
Produce water budgets using crop factors and climate data. 
Apply irrigation water and collect and monitor tail water or runoff. 
Develop irrigation management options to respond to water quality issues. 
Identify and apply requirements and options for soil ameliorants. 
Monitor infiltration and drainage. 
Compile reports from system data. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPTRT062 - Operate and control reclaimed water irrigation
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

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Assessor name:

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Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

NWPTRT062 - Operate and control reclaimed water irrigation

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: