Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

NWP403A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Investigate and plan the optimisation of potable water distribution systems

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency NWP403A - Investigate and plan the optimisation of potable water distribution systems
Description This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to coordinate, monitor and optimise system performance and maintenance planning in potable water distribution systems.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit is required by staff with a specific responsibility for ensuring that potable water systems comply with organisational and statutory requirements. This role may be performed by a single operator or one working in a team, and may include the coordination of an operational team.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Collection and distribution
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: Evaluate potable water distribution system performance.
  • Review existing distribution system performance data against relevant organisational and legislative requirements.
  • Identify the impact of the distribution system on water quality.
  • Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance.
       
Element: Investigate water distribution system issues.
  • Review existing system fault reports and relevant water quality information.
  • Identify and record links between operational problems and maintenance activities.
  • Investigate the operational status of system components with reference to manufacturers' and suppliers' specifications.
  • Carry out distribution system configuration investigations to identify potential deficiencies.
       
Element: Plan optimisation of potable water distribution system.
  • Identify potential hazards to the distribution system.
  • Select appropriate preventive measures
  • Develop and validate a system optimisation plan.
       


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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to optimise system performance and maintenance planning in potable water distribution systems including:

assessing distribution system performance and impacts on water quality

investigating system faults and deficiencies and assessing the status of system components

conducting hazard assessment and proposing prevention strategies

producing and monitoring a potable water distribution system optimisation plan.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards, and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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:

investigate and report on operational and control system problems

coordinate sampling and testing

performs various calculations to provide data for the analysis and development of options and solutions

interpret plans, charts and instructions

operate control and communication systems

use safety and personal protective equipment

communicate with colleagues, consultants and suppliers

produce optimisation reports

interprets a range of complex and technical documents, including relevant:

regulatory, legislative, licensing and organisational requirements

industry codes and standards

specifications

organisational policies

articulate complex ideas clearly

analyse and evaluate reports and reference materials

work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders

analyse problems and recommend appropriate remedial solutions

identify risks and hazards

identify opportunities for improved distribution system management

participate in the provision of appropriate information to inform workplace processes

manage work priorities.

Required knowledge:

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

water quality parameters

relevant legislation

relevant enterprise policies

range of appropriate measuring and testing procedures

investigation procedures

customer expectations and requirements

operations and maintenance policies and procedures

occupational health and safety and environmental legislation, Acts and procedures

environmental management procedures

control procedures for environmental risks and incidents

system hydraulics

incident management processes

system layout

system processes

system operation

water main isolation procedures

sampling and testing procedures

safety procedures

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, standard operating procedures and legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

risk management principles

risk factors and potential hazards involved in water systems

equipment operation, capacity and limitations of control systems.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Organisational or legislative requirements may be determined by:

federal, state and local environmental and water quality legislation and guidelines

organisational policies

standard operating procedures

communication and reporting protocols

quality assurance standards and processes.

Distribution system may include:

pipes

hydrants

valves

backflow prevention devices

service reservoirs

chlorinators.

Sampling may include:

frequency of sampling

bacteriological samples

grab samples from:

mains

customer taps

service reservoirs

high-risk user facilities.

Testing may include:

microbiological testing

levels of manganese and iron

turbidity

colour

taste and odour

copper

pH

chlorine residuals

hardness

presence of disinfection by-products.

Manufacturers' and designers' specifications may include:

valve installation and operation

hydrant installation and operation

pipe pressure specifications

calibration and operation of inline equipment.

Potential deficiencies may include:

low pressure areas

dead ends

low flow areas

backflow

cross connections

uncovered or unsecured service reservoirs

leaks

loss of disinfectant residual.

Potential hazards may include:

microbiological contamination of water

waterborne disease outbreaks

metal poisoning

pressure for fire fighting appliances.

Preventive measures may include:

maintenance of disinfection residuals

maintenance of adequate system pressure

minimise hydraulic detention time

flushing, scouring and swabbing.

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
Review existing distribution system performance data against relevant organisational and legislative requirements. 
Identify the impact of the distribution system on water quality. 
Identify and coordinate any additional sampling and testing required for valid evaluation of current process performance. 
Review existing system fault reports and relevant water quality information. 
Identify and record links between operational problems and maintenance activities. 
Investigate the operational status of system components with reference to manufacturers' and suppliers' specifications. 
Carry out distribution system configuration investigations to identify potential deficiencies. 
Identify potential hazards to the distribution system. 
Select appropriate preventive measures 
Develop and validate a system optimisation plan. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWP403A - Investigate and plan the optimisation of potable water distribution 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

NWP403A - Investigate and plan the optimisation of potable water distribution 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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: