The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the 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 explore and apply the characteristics of basic water and wastewater systems to a system model including:

investigating, interpreting and communicating the essential characteristics of local water and wastewater systems

selecting and applying basic scientific principles associated with the design and construction of a water system model

problem solving sound practices that can be adopted by householders and communities for the safe and effective management of a water and wastewater system.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to resources including:

library, water enterprise information, information sources for research and investigation

mentors, advisors and teachers able to guide and support research and investigation of water resource management

guided visits to key locations associated with water resource management.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques must take into account language, literacy and cultural factors which might have an impact on the candidate's demonstration of competency.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a variety of assignments and activities reflecting the scope and practical requirements of research and practical assignments

assessment can be through assignments, projects, excursions and simulated project-based 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 underpinning knowledge.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

use research and investigation to gather information and test models and hypotheses

use literacy skills for verbal and written communication

use interpersonal and communication skills, including listening, questioning and receiving feedback

work cooperatively and collaboratively with others to complete project tasks

adapt and modify activities depending on differing project contexts and environments

use appropriate techniques to solve or report problems identified when completing project tasks

carry out calculations that may be required when completing tasks, particularly those including the four basic mathematical operations

apply basic principles of science, including hydraulics, to develop an understanding of the flow of water

take appropriate initiative to deal with problems and complete tasks

identify and use equipment, tools and other technology required to complete project tasks

recognise limitations, ask for help and seek clarification or information about requirements and procedures.

Required knowledge:

mathematical calculations and techniques

relevant scientific knowledge, including basic principles of hydraulics, valve operation and pipe layout

procedures for identifying and using relevant technology when carrying out calculations

typical problems in the design of simple water systems and appropriate actions and solutions.

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. Add any 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.

Source of local water supply system may be:

groundwater systems

river systems

lakes

dams.

Basic principles governing the natural flow of water may include:

introduction to basic fluid mechanics

introduction to basic hydraulics

principles governing:

hydraulics

gradient

pressure

current and flow

depth

dam design

river channel behaviour.

Basic principles governing the distribution of water may include:

introduction to basic engineering principles governing the operation of valves and pumps

introduction to basic hydraulic principles governing pipe network design and layout

flow measurement.

Ways to use water wisely and dispose of wastewater safely may include:

participation in, or reference to, government programs and initiatives, such as:

water recycling

storm water catchment and reuse

on site treatment

Waterwatch program

Waterwise program

Greening Australia program

Landcare program.