AHCIRG503A - Design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems Competency Mapping Template
Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners
AHCIRG503A Mapping and Delivery Guide Design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems
Version 1.0 Issue Date: April 2024
Qualification
-
Unit of Competency
AHCIRG503A - Design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems
Description
This unit covers the designing of irrigation, draining and water treatment systems and defines the standard required to: identify design requirements for drainage and water treatment; determine specifications for suitable pumping and power systems; design distribution, drainage, storage and treatment systems; design water transfer, recharge, reuse and harvesting systems to conserve natural resources and; assess the environmental impacts of the irrigation system to ensure it will comply with environmental protection agency regulations.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application
This unit applies to those who design irrigation, drainage and/or water treatment systems with advice from technical advisers.
Duration and Setting
X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners
Student Learning Resources
Handouts Activities
Slides PPT
Assessment 1
Assessment 2
Assessment 3
Assessment 4
Elements of Competency
Performance Criteria
Element: Determine design requirements
Water is predicted to be available in sufficient quantity and quality for the particular crop or situation at the time it is needed by the enterprise.
Water transfer, recharge, reuse and harvesting systems are designed to conserve natural resources.
The process of collecting or storing water does not degrade the water quality for the enterprise or the environment.
Construction specifications define the work required to make suitable water available to the enterprise in accordance with environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
Environmentally sensitive areas are identified and protected according to local, State and National legislation.
Design calculations and decisions are documented to enterprise requirements.
Element: Define pumping and power systems
Pumps are selected to deliver water efficiently when needed, from the water storage at the flow and pressure required to operate the distribution system to the design specifications.
The pump motor combinations are efficient and the pumps are reliable, functional, serviceable and flexible for the intended application.
Energy requirements are determined, and layout of electricity lines are determined and checked with local authority.
The relationship between capital and operational costs are optimised including a comparison of energy sources.
Structures, valves and accessories are selected and integrated into a functional system that can be monitored and maintained according to enterprise guidelines.
Performance indicators, design calculations and decisions are documented according to enterprise guidelines.
Construction specifications define work required to make suitable pumping and power system available to enterprise.
Power supply design specification is checked with power authorities.
Element: Design an irrigation distribution system
Detailed topographic survey is conducted or an accurate map is obtained showing extent of irrigation, planting layout, physical constraints and contours with suitable interval.
Detailed soil survey is conducted at suitable intervals and mapped to show variation in readily available water.
Water budgets are determined having regard to the evapotranspiration state of the crop/plants, soil moisture characteristics and cultural practices.
Distribution systems are evaluated and designed with respect to a range of key variables.
Pipes, valves and fittings are sized according to design system specifications so that capital cost is balanced against operation costs over the anticipated system life.
Flows, water levels and pressures are calculated and documented to be within the acceptable tolerances for optimum performance.
Flows, water levels and pressures are achievable by the pumps operating at optimum efficiency and according to enterprise standards.
Mechanisms for controlling and adjusting pressure are included, and isolation valves direct water to areas with different irrigation schedules.
Channel systems and attendant structures are designed according to industry recommendations, and channel flow velocities are calculated according to enterprise standards.
Soil types have been compared for erodeability and suitable fill has been selected for construction according to enterprise standards.
Construction plans and specifications define work required to achieve the required standards of uniformity and efficiency of water application according to industry standards
Element: Design a drainage, storage and treatment system
Regional geology and geography is investigated to predict sustainability of irrigation and storage.
Site investigations to assess depth of clay, depth of ground water, soil and water salinity, and structural or chemical impediments are used to determine the most cost effective storage system.
Predictions of leaching fractions and salt movements are documented, and soil amelioration and drainage management plans are developed.
The need for leachate interception and dewatering system is determined, and if required, construction specification prepared for interception and collection, water treatment, disposal, and reuse or recycle.
Drains and structures are capable of carrying the design water volumes and intensities according to enterprise standards.
Damage from water logging is minimised according to enterprise standards.
Hydrological calculations predict volumes and rates of surface run-off according to enterprise standards.
Element: Determine capital expense budget
Design calculations and decisions are documented and relevant information is communicated clearly through plans, specifications and manuals.
Design output is checked by a competent designer against enterprise objectives.
Materials requirements are determined and documented from plans and specifications.
Labour requirements are estimated, based upon documented work schedule with reasonable allowance for variances in work schedules.
Costing attributed to each component is based upon quoted information from suppliers, or sound analysis of individual elements.
Element: Determine operating expense budget
Operating expense budget indicates all expenses applicable to the completed irrigation system.
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.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
identify design requirements for drainage and water treatment
determine specifications for suitable pumping and power systems
design distribution, drainage, storage and treatment systems
design water transfer, recharge, reuse and harvesting systems to conserve natural resources
assess the environmental impacts of the irrigation system to ensure it will comply with environmental protection agency regulations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.
Required skills
collect and analyse information
identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation, drainage and water treatment activities and appropriate remedial action
identify design requirements
develop specifications
compare costings
develop budgets
document outcomes
develop and implement relevant enterprise OHS and environmental procedures
use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports
use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures
use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.
Required knowledge
design processes
developments in irrigation technology
drainage and storage development technology
latest treatment technology
automatic control and monitoring systems
waste management and environmental issues
budgeting
contractual development and obligations
environmental protection agency regulations
environmental impacts of irrigation, drainage and water treatment using water from any ground or underground source
cost/benefit analysis
OHS and environmental protection legislation, codes of practice and enterprise policies and procedures.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Reuse systems may include:
dis-infestation and filtering equipment.
Irrigation distribution systems covered by this standard are:
micro-irrigation systems
spray irrigation systems
surface irrigation systems
basin irrigation.
Systems may range from:
manual operation and monitoring to fully automated with computer control and monitoring.
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
Water is predicted to be available in sufficient quantity and quality for the particular crop or situation at the time it is needed by the enterprise.
Water transfer, recharge, reuse and harvesting systems are designed to conserve natural resources.
The process of collecting or storing water does not degrade the water quality for the enterprise or the environment.
Construction specifications define the work required to make suitable water available to the enterprise in accordance with environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
Environmentally sensitive areas are identified and protected according to local, State and National legislation.
Design calculations and decisions are documented to enterprise requirements.
Pumps are selected to deliver water efficiently when needed, from the water storage at the flow and pressure required to operate the distribution system to the design specifications.
The pump motor combinations are efficient and the pumps are reliable, functional, serviceable and flexible for the intended application.
Energy requirements are determined, and layout of electricity lines are determined and checked with local authority.
The relationship between capital and operational costs are optimised including a comparison of energy sources.
Structures, valves and accessories are selected and integrated into a functional system that can be monitored and maintained according to enterprise guidelines.
Performance indicators, design calculations and decisions are documented according to enterprise guidelines.
Construction specifications define work required to make suitable pumping and power system available to enterprise.
Power supply design specification is checked with power authorities.
Detailed topographic survey is conducted or an accurate map is obtained showing extent of irrigation, planting layout, physical constraints and contours with suitable interval.
Detailed soil survey is conducted at suitable intervals and mapped to show variation in readily available water.
Water budgets are determined having regard to the evapotranspiration state of the crop/plants, soil moisture characteristics and cultural practices.
Distribution systems are evaluated and designed with respect to a range of key variables.
Pipes, valves and fittings are sized according to design system specifications so that capital cost is balanced against operation costs over the anticipated system life.
Flows, water levels and pressures are calculated and documented to be within the acceptable tolerances for optimum performance.
Flows, water levels and pressures are achievable by the pumps operating at optimum efficiency and according to enterprise standards.
Mechanisms for controlling and adjusting pressure are included, and isolation valves direct water to areas with different irrigation schedules.
Channel systems and attendant structures are designed according to industry recommendations, and channel flow velocities are calculated according to enterprise standards.
Soil types have been compared for erodeability and suitable fill has been selected for construction according to enterprise standards.
Construction plans and specifications define work required to achieve the required standards of uniformity and efficiency of water application according to industry standards
Regional geology and geography is investigated to predict sustainability of irrigation and storage.
Site investigations to assess depth of clay, depth of ground water, soil and water salinity, and structural or chemical impediments are used to determine the most cost effective storage system.
Predictions of leaching fractions and salt movements are documented, and soil amelioration and drainage management plans are developed.
The need for leachate interception and dewatering system is determined, and if required, construction specification prepared for interception and collection, water treatment, disposal, and reuse or recycle.
Drains and structures are capable of carrying the design water volumes and intensities according to enterprise standards.
Damage from water logging is minimised according to enterprise standards.
Hydrological calculations predict volumes and rates of surface run-off according to enterprise standards.
Design calculations and decisions are documented and relevant information is communicated clearly through plans, specifications and manuals.
Design output is checked by a competent designer against enterprise objectives.
Materials requirements are determined and documented from plans and specifications.
Labour requirements are estimated, based upon documented work schedule with reasonable allowance for variances in work schedules.
Costing attributed to each component is based upon quoted information from suppliers, or sound analysis of individual elements.
Operating expense budget indicates all expenses applicable to the completed irrigation system.
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
AHCIRG503A - Design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems
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:
Signature:
Date:
Assessment Record Sheet
AHCIRG503A - Design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems
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