Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:07 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:07 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Interpret and report on catchment hydrology
Interpret and report on catchment hydrology
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCNRM504A
AHCNRM504A
State Code
D7074
D7074
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/03/2012
Field of Education
030907 - Water And Sanitary Engineering
Original Release Date
08/03/2012
Nominal Hours
150
Description
This unit of competency covers the interpretation of catchment hydrology and reporting on water quantity and quality within a catchment. It requires knowledge of hydrogeology, geology, geomorphology, hydrology and contemporary water allocation issues. It requires skills in interpreting geological maps and hydrological data, predicting water movement in catchments, identifying processes that have a negative impact on water quality and quantity and the use of software in hydrological data reporting. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Collate and evaluate catchment information
- 1.1. Data collection priorities are determined in consultation with supervisor or team where appropriate.
- 1.2. Sources of information are used to access catchment information.
- 1.3. The accuracy and currency of information is evaluated and additional data requirements are identified.
- 1.4. Land uses within the catchment are identified.
- 1.5. Management units within the catchment are determined.
2. Analyse the hydrological processes of a catchment using available data
- 2.1. Natural ground and surface water processes within the catchment are analysed.
- 2.2. Man-made ground and surface water movement within a catchment are identified.
- 2.3. Man-made impacts on water quantity within the catchment are determined and analysed.
- 2.4. Appropriate representative sites for field surveys are identified for the collection of additional data where required.
3. Design and implement field surveys and assess findings
- 3.1. Objectives, locations and resource requirements for site assessments are determined in consultation with supervisor or team.
- 3.2. Physical entities and processes, including threats, within representative management units are assessed.
- 3.3. Site data is collected according to enterprise policies, practices and guidelines.
4. Report on catchment hydrology
- 4.1. A written overview on catchment hydrological behaviour is prepared, according to enterprise guidelines and templates.
- 4.2. A visual overview of catchment hydrological behaviour is presented to meet the needs of stakeholders.
- 4.3. Advice and guidance on remediation measures consistent with catchment management objectives is outlined.
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.
Sources of information may include:
hydrological information
previous monitoring studies
geological data
hydrogeological data
land use studies
aerial photography
satellite imagery
maps
water quality and or irrigation data
environmental management studies
anecdotal information from land owners.
Field surveys may include:
slope analysis
land uses
soil surveys
occurrence of erosion and sedimentation
bed and bank stability
water quality and quantity.
Management objectives may include:
erosion control
water quality
salinity reduction
sustainable irrigation and environmental flows
flood protection
ground water usage.
Threats may include:
erosion and sedimentation
pest plant and animal infestation
loss of biodiversity
salinity
poor land use practices
point and diffuse sources of pollution
nutrient management issues.
Remediation measures may include:
fencing
revegetation
installation of sediment control structures
flood control structures
pest plant control
implementation of nutrient management strategies
changes to agricultural practices
community awareness programs.
Management objectives may include:
erosion control
water quality improvement
salinity reduction
sustainable irrigation environmental flows
flood protection
ground water usage.
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.
Sources of information may include:
hydrological information
previous monitoring studies
geological data
hydrogeological data
land use studies
aerial photography
satellite imagery
maps
water quality and or irrigation data
environmental management studies
anecdotal information from land owners.
Field surveys may include:
slope analysis
land uses
soil surveys
occurrence of erosion and sedimentation
bed and bank stability
water quality and quantity.
Management objectives may include:
erosion control
water quality
salinity reduction
sustainable irrigation and environmental flows
flood protection
ground water usage.
Threats may include:
erosion and sedimentation
pest plant and animal infestation
loss of biodiversity
salinity
poor land use practices
point and diffuse sources of pollution
nutrient management issues.
Remediation measures may include:
fencing
revegetation
installation of sediment control structures
flood control structures
pest plant control
implementation of nutrient management strategies
changes to agricultural practices
community awareness programs.
Management objectives may include:
erosion control
water quality improvement
salinity reduction
sustainable irrigation environmental flows
flood protection
ground water usage.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate must be able to locate, collect and assess a wide range of hydrological data. This data must then be interpreted and presented according to the requirements of the task. The candidate must be capable of determining the movement of water within a catchment from existing data and report on the impacts of environmental change on water quantity and quality in a catchment
Context of and specific resources for assessment
For valid assessment to take place candidates should have access to:
equipment used to analyse water quality and quantity
hydrological data in electronic form
geological maps and appropriate remotely sensed data
water management plans.
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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate must be able to locate, collect and assess a wide range of hydrological data. This data must then be interpreted and presented according to the requirements of the task. The candidate must be capable of determining the movement of water within a catchment from existing data and report on the impacts of environmental change on water quantity and quality in a catchment
Context of and specific resources for assessment
For valid assessment to take place candidates should have access to:
equipment used to analyse water quality and quantity
hydrological data in electronic form
geological maps and appropriate remotely sensed data
water management plans.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAN13 | AHCNRM504 | Interpret and report on catchment hydrology | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D523 | AHC51110 | Diploma of Conservation and Land Management | Qualification |