NWP601
Design a water reticulation scheme

This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to apply principles of design and design audit and review for a water reticulation scheme using appropriate design standards.

Application

This unit applies to para-professionals responsible for the design of water reticulation schemes such as town water supplies.

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


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements

Performance criteria

1 Define design requirements

1.1 Identify interfaces between pipeline networks and bulk water supply, transfer mains and pumping stations from the concept proposal.

1.2 Identify constraints and design problems within the concept proposal.

1.3 Seek clarification of design requirements as needed.

1.4 Negotiate with stakeholders to resolve design problems.

1.5 Confirm compliance with design standards and specifications relevant to the water reticulation system.

1.6 Document detailed design requirements.

1.7 Identify and apply initial data to the design.

2 Prepare design

2.1 Design detailed layout of water mains using project design requirements and design standards and specifications.

2.2 Plan location and installation requirements of stop valves, hydrants, scours, and air valves.

2.3 Design pipeline alignment and connection details.

2.4 Prepare structural and hydraulic design of pipelines.

3 Review design

3.1 Ensure design objectives and specifications have been met.

3.2 Ensure compliance with environmental standards.

4 Prepare and maintain documentation

4.1 Prepare supporting documentation in accordance with legislative and organisation requirements.

4.2 Maintain engineering and project records in accordance with legislative or organisation requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills:

determine OHS, regulatory and risk management requirements

interpret and apply legislative requirements

assess environmental impacts

apply quality requirements

analyse complex information

operate computer software

conduct data modelling

conduct investigations

prepare documentation

collaborate with a diverse team of specialists

conduct consultations with a range of industry and community interests

project planning

Required knowledge:

application of civil engineering principles, mathematics, computer software and file handling

legislative requirements for the design of water reticulation systems including environmental protection and occupational health and safety

water network systems

output quality

specification requirements

cost benefit analysis procedures

risk analysis procedures

computer software for planning, modelling and system analysis

data modelling procedures

investigation procedures and methodologies

documentation and information management requirements

OH&S and environmental legislation, acts and procedures

Evidence Required

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

The candidate should:

perform each task outlined in the elements consistently and in a representative range of contexts

meet the performance criteria associated with each element by employing the techniques, procedures, information and resources available in the workplace from those listed in the range statement

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to plan water reticulation systems including:

identifying, analysing and defining water reticulation system design requirements, conditions and constraints

identifying and interpreting legislative, environmental, business and project management requirements

analysing a range of factors to determine hydraulic and system design components

evaluating and clarifying system plans and options for system design

managing and securing documentation to support and report project management

evaluating design process and outcomes

managing recording, reporting and information management

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

workplace specific equipment and technology

supervision and experienced team members to provide observations, feedback and third party reports

enterprise operating procedures and work allocation

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 assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

The following methods are suggested:

assessment in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

assessment should also be conducted in conjunction with aspects of technical competencies that are consistent with the work environment

techniques for gathering evidence of competency may include:

observation of performance

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues

Guidance information for assessment

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 require 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 only taken at the point 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 projectbased activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.


Range Statement

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.

Water reticulation systems may include:

urban potable water supply

regional source management and water transfer

reclaimed and wastewater supply for non potable use

collection and distribution of treated wastewater into potable and non-potable water supply

Initial data may include:

costs

existing and future flows

input and output quality

customer requirements

locations

catchments

demographics

land use

pressure

hydrological information

meteorological information

topographic information

Detailed layout of water mains may include:

water mains in road reserves

water mains in easements

effect on vegetation

water mains near trees

contaminated sites

crossings

mechanical protection of water mains

railway reserves

crossings of creeks or drainage reserves

overhead power lines and transmission towers

water mains in conjunction with landscaping and/or other development

curved water mains

Structural and hydraulic designmust include:

pipe sizes

hydraulic design pressures

anchorage requirements for pipes and fittings

minimum pipe classes and required pipes, fittings and appurtenances

Project design requirements may include:

reticulation main sizes and locations

pressure reducing valve locations and settings

staging of developments

preliminary reticulation main layouts

system configuration

service and operating pressures

pressure zone boundaries

water main sizes

water quality

pumping stations

storage tanks

future system expansion options

Supporting documentation may include:

records of:

construction

installation

commissioning

production

operation

maintenance

training

design proposals

design changes

quality assurance

Legislative and organisation requirements may include:

federal and state legislation

national guidelines

environmental protection agencies

water quality management strategy

relevant standards

industry codes of practice


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Asset Creation.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.