Application
This unit describes the skills required to work effectively in the water industry by understanding the role of water organisations in the community, services they provide, water systems used, the importance of maintaining water quality, and structure of organisations. The ability to understand the water cycle and the link between the services and systems of the water organisation and supply to, and usage by, the consumer is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working in the water industry.
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 supervision, while performing specific tasks in a range of familiar contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
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. Identify elements of the water cycle | 1.1 Describe the natural water cycle. 1.2 Outline human intervention on natural water cycle and its environmental impact. |
2. Determine functions of water systems | 2.1 Identify streams within water industry. 2.2 Determine functions of each stream. 2.3 Identify how each stream relates to the water cycle. 2.4 Consider sustainable practices. 2.5 Consider ways to increase sources of water supply. 2.6 Identify and describe methods and procedures to maintain water quality. |
3. Recognise stakeholders and customers | 3.1 Identify customers and services provided to them. 3.2 Identify stakeholders and respective roles. 3.3 Explore and describe the structure of the water industry at local, state, territory and national level. |
4. Identify legislative framework | 4.1 Identify bodies responsible for establishing and managing standards for water quality. 4.2 Identify relevant guidelines. 4.3 Determine legislative, regulatory and licensing requirements governing the industry and understand their impact. 4.4 Recognise the principles of compliance. |
5. Translate into own role in organisational and work context | 5.1 Review and describe organisation management structure and role relationships. 5.2 Review and apply organisation key policies and procedures. 5.3 Review and apply standard reporting procedures and identify impact on own work. 5.4 Describe how own role contributes to quality outcomes. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed within the context of at least one of the water industry streams listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
identifying system and infrastructure
assessing water sustainability strategies, with reference to the structure of the water industry and water industry services
identifying characteristics of water quality
identifying agencies involved in water management
interpreting the water cycle, sustainable water usage and the testing of water quality
identifying and exploring the meaning of the water cycle and implications for customers
identifying and exploring systems and customer services offered by water industry organisations
identifying the factors which influence customer expectations and satisfaction
identifying and exploring factors that can contribute to sustainable water practices within communities and households
identifying and exploring strategies that can be employed to increase access to water resources
exploring and communicating factors affecting water quality
explaining the roles of particular stakeholders
identifying environmental impacts, potential hazards and types of incidents
describing natural impacts on the water cycles including droughts, floods
Evidence of Knowledge
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.
Basic knowledge of:
relevant policies and procedures
risk management principles
ADWG, recycled water guidelines
environmental impact assessment
agencies involved in water quality management
water quality performance indicators
overview of the water supply system
water hazardous agents and preventative strategies
community and agency roles and responsibilities in monitoring water quality
legal, social, community and environmental requirements
terminology applicable to water industry
Assessment Conditions
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.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Range Statement
Streams within the water industry include: | hydrography treatment source networks trade waste irrigation |
Competency Field
General