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Evidence Guide: RTE5603A - Design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

RTE5603A - Design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Determine design requirements

  1. 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.
  2. Water transfer, recharge, reuse and harvesting systems are designed to conserve natural resources.
  3. The process of collecting or storing water does not degrade the water quality for the enterprise or the environment.
  4. Construction specifications define the work required to make suitable water available to the enterprise in accordance with environmental and OHS requirements.
  5. Environmentally sensitive areas are identified and protected according to local, State and National legislation.
  6. Design calculations and decisions are documented to enterprise 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.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water transfer, recharge, reuse and harvesting systems are designed to conserve natural resources.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The process of collecting or storing water does not degrade the water quality for the enterprise or the environment.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction specifications define the work required to make suitable water available to the enterprise in accordance with environmental and OHS requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmentally sensitive areas are identified and protected according to local, State and National legislation.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design calculations and decisions are documented to enterprise requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Define pumping and power systems

  1. 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.
  2. The pump motor combinations are efficient and the pumps are reliable, functional, serviceable and flexible for the intended application.
  3. Energy requirements are determined, and layout of electricity lines are determined and checked with local authority.
  4. The relationship between capital and operational costs are optimised including a comparison of energy sources.
  5. Structures, valves and accessories are selected and integrated into a functional system that can be monitored and maintained according to enterprise guidelines.
  6. Performance indicators, design calculations and decisions are documented according to enterprise guidelines.
  7. Construction specifications define work required to make suitable pumping and power system available to enterprise.
  8. Power supply design specification is checked with power authorities.
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.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pump motor combinations are efficient and the pumps are reliable, functional, serviceable and flexible for the intended application.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy requirements are determined, and layout of electricity lines are determined and checked with local authority.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The relationship between capital and operational costs are optimised including a comparison of energy sources.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Structures, valves and accessories are selected and integrated into a functional system that can be monitored and maintained according to enterprise guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance indicators, design calculations and decisions are documented according to enterprise guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction specifications define work required to make suitable pumping and power system available to enterprise.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power supply design specification is checked with power authorities.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design an irrigation distribution system

  1. Detailed topographic survey is conducted or an accurate map is obtained showing extent of irrigation, planting layout, physical constraints and contours with suitable interval.
  2. Detailed soil survey is conducted at suitable intervals and mapped to show variation in readily available water.
  3. Water budgets are determined having regard to the evapotranspiration state of the crop/plants, soil moisture characteristics and cultural practices.
  4. Distribution systems are evaluated and designed with respect to a range of key variables.
  5. 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.
  6. Flows, water levels and pressures are calculated and documented to be within the acceptable tolerances for optimum performance.
  7. Flows, water levels and pressures are achievable by the pumps operating at optimum efficiency and according to enterprise standards..
  8. Mechanisms for controlling and adjusting pressure are included, and isolation valves direct water to areas with different irrigation schedules.
  9. Channel systems and attendant structures are designed according to industry recommendations, and channel flow velocities are calculated according to enterprise standards.
  10. Soil types have been compared for erodeability and suitable fill has been selected for construction according to enterprise standards.
  11. Construction plans and specifications define work required to achieve the required standards of uniformity and efficiency of water application according to industry standards.
Detailed topographic survey is conducted or an accurate map is obtained showing extent of irrigation, planting layout, physical constraints and contours with suitable interval.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detailed soil survey is conducted at suitable intervals and mapped to show variation in readily available water.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water budgets are determined having regard to the evapotranspiration state of the crop/plants, soil moisture characteristics and cultural practices.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution systems are evaluated and designed with respect to a range of key variables.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flows, water levels and pressures are calculated and documented to be within the acceptable tolerances for optimum performance.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flows, water levels and pressures are achievable by the pumps operating at optimum efficiency and according to enterprise standards..

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mechanisms for controlling and adjusting pressure are included, and isolation valves direct water to areas with different irrigation schedules.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Channel systems and attendant structures are designed according to industry recommendations, and channel flow velocities are calculated according to enterprise standards.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soil types have been compared for erodeability and suitable fill has been selected for construction according to enterprise standards.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction plans and specifications define work required to achieve the required standards of uniformity and efficiency of water application according to industry standards.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design a drainage, storage and treatment system

  1. Regional geology and geography is investigated to predict sustainability of irrigation and storage.
  2. 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.
  3. Predictions of leaching fractions and salt movements are documented, and soil amelioration and drainage management plans are developed.
  4. 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.
  5. Drains and structures are capable of carrying the design water volumes and intensities according to enterprise standards.
  6. Damage from water logging is minimised according to enterprise standards.
  7. Hydrological calculations predict volumes and rates of surface run-off according to enterprise standards.
Regional geology and geography is investigated to predict sustainability of irrigation and storage.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Predictions of leaching fractions and salt movements are documented, and soil amelioration and drainage management plans are developed.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drains and structures are capable of carrying the design water volumes and intensities according to enterprise standards.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Damage from water logging is minimised according to enterprise standards.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hydrological calculations predict volumes and rates of surface run-off according to enterprise standards.

Completed
Date:

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Determine capital expense budget

  1. Design calculations and decisions are documented and relevant information is communicated clearly through plans, specifications and manuals.
  2. Design output is checked by a competent designer against enterprise objectives.
  3. Materials requirements are determined and documented from plans and specifications.
  4. Labour requirements are estimated, based upon documented work schedule with reasonable allowance for variances in work schedules.
  5. Costing attributed to each component is based upon quoted information from suppliers, or sound analysis of individual elements.
Design calculations and decisions are documented and relevant information is communicated clearly through plans, specifications and manuals.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design output is checked by a competent designer against enterprise objectives.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Materials requirements are determined and documented from plans and specifications.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Labour requirements are estimated, based upon documented work schedule with reasonable allowance for variances in work schedules.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costing attributed to each component is based upon quoted information from suppliers, or sound analysis of individual elements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Determine operating expense budget

  1. Operating expense budget indicates all expenses applicable to the completed irrigation system.
Operating expense budget indicates all expenses applicable to the completed irrigation system.

Completed
Date:

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Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in designing irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems requires evidence that a person can identify design requirements, determine specifications for suitable pumping and power systems, design distribution, drainage, storage and treatment systems, and determine capital and operating expense budgets for the system designed.

The skills and knowledge required to design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, if a system is designed for particular plants/crops and soil type using a fully computerised spray irrigation and chemical water treatment systems, it should be evident that a system could be designed for different plants/crops in different soil using manually operated surface irrigation, and natural drainage and treatment systems.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

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

enterprise policies and procedures.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

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.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (3) be applied?

Checking power supply design specifications with power authorities.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (3)?

Identifying environmentally sensitive areas.

3. How are activities planned and organised (3)?

Developing construction plans and specifications.

4. How can team work (3) be applied?

Obtaining detailed topographic information.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (3) be applied?

Calculating design specifications, costings and budgets.

6. How can problem-solving skills (3) be applied?

Determining water use and availability and breakdowns with systems components.

7. How can the use of technology (3) be applied?

Designing computerised irrigation systems and documenting decisions.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Not applicable.

Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What reuse systems might be designed?

These may include disinfestation and filtering equipment.

What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?

Consideration should be given at the design stage to the health and safety of workers who will be involved in activities associated with irrigation installation in respect to machinery, equipment operation and chemical use.

Why might power supply design specification be checked with power authorities?

This may require compliance with the standard specification legislation and regulations of the relevant State or Territory water and power authorities.

What irrigation distribution systems might be relevant to this standard?

Micro-irrigation systems may include drip, mains pressure, low pressure, below surface, above surface, emitter trickle, t-tape, and mini-sprinklers, capillary, ebb and flow, and flood systems.

Spray irrigation systems may include travelling irrigators (soft hose, hard hose boom type) centre pivot, linear move, powered side roll hand shift permanent (installed), and bike shift/easy shift.

Surface irrigation systems may include border check, contour irrigation, furrow irrigation, hillside flooding, and basin irrigation. Border check systems may be either permanent or temporary earth, plastic or concrete devices for insertion in a drain for reticulating water, contour banks used to collect and distribute water along the perimeter of an irrigation plot, contour banks within a plot to collect/distribute water, or larger scale systems to stop water exiting one area to another.

Systems may range from manual operation and monitoring to fully automated with computer control and monitoring.

Distribution systems are evaluated and designed with respect to which key variables?

These may include the ability to target like soils and crops, efficiency of water use in various crop/weather situations, wind breaks to support irrigation where appropriate, uniformity of distribution, and use of specialist irrigation consultants.

What standards of uniformity and efficiency will apply to water application?

This will vary from system to system.

How might budget expenses be documented?

This may vary according to budget, environmental constraints, owner preferences and quoting procedures.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.