Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:40 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:40 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.
Plan and design water supply and disposal systems
Plan and design water supply and disposal systems
Unit of competency
National Code
SFIAQUA507C
SFIAQUA507C
State Code
D9162
D9162
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/02/2012
Field of Education
030907 - Water And Sanitary Engineering
Original Release Date
27/02/2012
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit of competency involves designing water supply and disposal systems for aquacultural enterprises and facilities, mostly for on-land (tanks, ponds and raceways) operations. Planning and designing water supply and disposal systems requires skills in aquatic engineering and the application of underpinning knowledge with depth in areas, such as hydrology, pumps and power supply, and waste management.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine design requirements
- 1.1. Watertypes and water sources are determined so that water budget is developed to ensure water is available in sufficient quantities at all times.
- 1.2. Water and soil quality are determined to ensure appropriate environment is provided for cultured or held stock and past records are analysed to determine water flow variability.
- 1.3. Water transfer, recharge, reuse and treatment systems are designed to conserve natural resources and match requirements for cultured or held stock.
- 1.4. Culture or holding structures and systems are positioned to make the best use of water resources.
- 1.5. Water requirements are matched with enterprise production forecasts, expansion plans and seasonal variation.
- 1.6. Process of collecting or storing water does not degrade the water quality for the enterprise or the environment.
- 1.7. Design calculations and decisions are documented to enterprise requirements and construction specifications define the work required to make suitable water available to the enterprise.
- 1.8. Environmentally sensitive areas are identified and protected according to local, state, territory and national legislation and land degradation issues are identified.
- 1.9. Allowable effluent standards are determined.
2. Define pumping and power systems
- 2.1. Pumps are selected, on the basis of expert advice, to deliver water efficiently from the water source or storage, when needed, and at the flow and pressure required to operate the distribution system to the design specifications.
- 2.2. Pump motor combinations are efficient, reliable, functional, serviceable and flexible for the intended application.
- 2.3. Relationship between capital and operational costs is optimised, including a comparison of energy sources.
- 2.4. Structures, valves, accessories and performance indicators are selected and integrated into a functional system that can be monitored and maintained according to enterprise procedures.
- 2.5. Design calculations and decisions are documented.
- 2.6. Construction specifications define work required to make suitable pumping and power system available to enterprise.
- 2.7. Power supply design specification is checked with power authorities.
- 2.8. Risks associated with power configurations, personal safety, water pressures and loads are identified and minimised through system design and appropriate operating procedures.
3. Design a distribution system
- 3.1. Detailed topographic survey is commissioned or an accurate map is obtained showing extent, pond/tank layout, physical constraints and contours with suitable interval.
- 3.2. Excavation and earth moving plan is developed and internal or outside personnel, labour and machinery identified.
- 3.3. Water budgets are determined according to evaporation and seepage characteristics and water usage practices.
- 3.4. Distribution systems are evaluated and designed according to a range of key variables, including the ability to isolate areas/systems for disease control or maintenance.
- 3.5. 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.
- 3.6. Flows, water levels and pressures are achievable for the pumps.
- 3.7. Mechanisms for controlling and adjusting pressure are included and isolation valves direct water to areas with different water flow schedules.
- 3.8. Channel systems and attendant structures are designed according to system requirements and channel flow velocities are calculated.
- 3.9. Soil types are compared for erodibility, and suitable fill selected for construction.
- 3.10. Construction plans and specifications define work required to achieve the desired standards of uniformity and efficiency of water application.
4. Design a drainage, storage and treatment system
- 4.1. Regional geology and geography is investigated to predict sustainability of pond construction and water storage.
- 4.2. Site investigations determine depth of clay, depth of ground water, soil and water salinity and structural or chemical impediments and calculations, and costings determine the most cost-effective storage system.
- 4.3. Designs are developed in conjunction with contractors and authorities.
- 4.4. Drains and structures are capable of carrying the design water volumes and flow intensities.
- 4.5. Waste water treatment structures are incorporated.
5. Determine capital expense budget
- 5.1. Design calculations and decisions are documented and relevant information communicated clearly through plans, specifications and manuals.
- 5.2. Design output is checked by a competent designer against enterprise objectives.
- 5.3. Material requirements are determined and documented from plans and specifications.
- 5.4. Labour requirements are estimated based upon documented work schedule with reasonable allowance for variances in work schedules.
- 5.5. Costing attributed to each component is based upon quoted information from suppliers or sound analysis of individual elements.
6. Establish management procedures
- 6.1. Operating expense budget confirms all expenses applicable are applied to the completed water supply and disposal system.
- 6.2. Contingency plans are developed in the event of reduced water quality or quantity.
- 6.3. Procedure is developed for handling notifications from authorities pertaining to water supply and disposal.
- 6.4. Involvement is undertaken in an integrated regional approach to water monitoring, quality and quantity supply issues and future planning.
- 6.5. Mechanisation or automation of process or activity, including the use of specialised contract services, is researched and introduced.
- 6.6. Record keeping procedures are established for managing water supply and disposal system that meet administrative, enterprise and regulatory requirements.
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.
Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:
business or workplace operations, policies and practices:
commercial law, including fair trading and trade practices
consumer law
corporate law, including registration, licensing and financial reporting
disability policies and practices
equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and sexual harassment
industrial relations and awards, individual employment contracts and share of catch agreements
jurisdictional variations
superannuation
taxation
trade practices
warnings and dismissals
worker's compensation
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits, licences, quotas, catch restrictions and other compliance requirements, including:
Australian Exclusive Economic Zone
international treaties and agreements
food safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody
imports quarantine and inspection, and importing approved arrangements for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS), Australian Customs Service (ACS) and Biosecurity Australia (BA)
Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
maritime and occupational diving operations:
foreign and Australian legislation applying to quarantine and customs
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978)
Marine Emergency Response Search and Rescue (MERSAR)
National Standards for Commercial Vessels
pollution prevention - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78)
Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code
use of vessels, right of way and other marine orders, bunkering and refuelling
land, buildings and vehicles:
buildings and structures design and appearance, constructions and additions
poaching, trespass and theft
road laws for use of motor vehicles, bikes, trucks and other transport equipment
soil and water management
use of chemicals and biological agents
use of firearms and powerheads
use of utilities, including water, natural gas, electricity and sewage
water or land lease, tenure or ownership and use
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control
product quality assurance:
correct naming and labelling (e.g. country of origin, Australian Fish Names Standard and eco-labelling)
correct quantities, sizes and other customer requirements
third-party certification (e.g. Australian Grown and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems).
OHS guidelines may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace
codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector
enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards
hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures
induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner
OHS training register
safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace
systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts
the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
ESD principles may include:
controlling use and recycling of water, and managing water quality and quantity
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
managing environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
managing imported products quarantine and inspection, facility biosecurity, translocation of livestock and genetic material, and health certification
managing stock health and welfare, especially for handling, holding, transport and slaughter
managing sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection requirements, such as size limits, quotas, season restrictions, population dynamics, fishing impacts, reducing by-catch, fisheries management strategies and maintaining biodiversity
managing, controlling and treating effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
planning environmental and resource efficiency improvements
preventing genetically modified and live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment
protecting native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas, adhering to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, World Heritage and other international treaties for which Australia is a signatory
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing use of non-renewable resources
reducing disturbances to soils, erosion and surface water flows from machinery use and other activities
reducing energy use and introducing alternative energy sources.
PPE may include:
buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)
gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering
hard hat or protective head covering
hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)
insulated protective clothing for freezers or chillers and refrigeration units
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
protective eyewear, glasses and face mask
protective hair, beard and boot covers
protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions
respirator or face mask
safety harness
sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)
uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)
waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear and waders).
Water types may include:
brackish water (3-30 ppt)
freshwater (generally <3 ppt)
hypersaline (>41 ppt)
made up (salt mix is added to water according to requirements)
salt water (31-40 ppt)
soft and hard.
Water sources may include:
bore (e.g. artesian)
catchment (e.g. dam and reservoir)
coastal and ocean
rivers and streams
surface (e.g. spring and soak)
tidal creeks and estuaries
town or scheme.
Water budget may include:
availability of water in different regions of facility
evaporation and seepage losses
options on amount of water disposed daily or weekly
water holding capacity on-farm (storage)
volume of water required for emergency procedures
volume of water required for normal operations
volume of water required to fill cultured or held structures.
Water and soil quality may include:
pH, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and hardness
presence of diseases and other pathogenic organisms
presence of predator or competing organisms
sources of contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, nutrients, pesticides, herbicides and sewage)
water holding capacity of soils (e.g. clay content) and degree of overburden.
Water transfer, recharge, reuse and treatment systems may include:
alum
disinfection
filtration (e.g. chemical, mechanical and biological)
gravity
irrigation
nutrient removal
overflow
oxygenation
protein skimmers
pump (e.g. mechanical)
sediment collection
settlement or soak ponds
soak
temperature, salinity, pH and hardness
tidal
ultraviolet (UV) and ozone.
Culture or holding structures and systems may include:
blowers, aerators, paddlewheels and aspirators
cages, pontoons, enclosures and pens, including associated moorings, anchors, floats and markers
dams, ponds and pools
display tanks, aquaria and aquascapes
greenhouses, hothouses and igloos
grow out facilities, hatcheries and nurseries
harvesting swimways, canals or channels
live holding tanks, bins, cages and pens
longlines, posts, racks and rails, rafts, fences, socks, trays, sticks, baskets, modules, barrels, bags and panels
open, flow-through, closed and semi-closed systems
pest, predator and disease control structures
purging or depurating systems
tanks, raceways and recirculating systems
water supply and disposal or effluent systems including pumps, pipes, canals, channels, settlement ponds and storage dams.
(Design) decisions may be influenced by:
budget
environmental constraints
owner preferences
quoting procedures.
Key variables may include:
ability to undertake emergency procedures
efficiency of water use in various stock/weather situations
specialist water supply consultant
uniformity of distribution to culture of holding system.
Contingency plans may include:
alternative transport facilities
auxiliary oxygen supply
backup power supply
filter supplies
monitoring alarms
plumbing supplies
procedures in place in event of reduced water flow or water quality or other emergency.
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.
Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:
business or workplace operations, policies and practices:
commercial law, including fair trading and trade practices
consumer law
corporate law, including registration, licensing and financial reporting
disability policies and practices
equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and sexual harassment
industrial relations and awards, individual employment contracts and share of catch agreements
jurisdictional variations
superannuation
taxation
trade practices
warnings and dismissals
worker's compensation
ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits, licences, quotas, catch restrictions and other compliance requirements, including:
Australian Exclusive Economic Zone
international treaties and agreements
food safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody
imports quarantine and inspection, and importing approved arrangements for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS), Australian Customs Service (ACS) and Biosecurity Australia (BA)
Indigenous native title, land claims and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods
maritime and occupational diving operations:
foreign and Australian legislation applying to quarantine and customs
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978)
Marine Emergency Response Search and Rescue (MERSAR)
National Standards for Commercial Vessels
pollution prevention - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78)
Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code
use of vessels, right of way and other marine orders, bunkering and refuelling
land, buildings and vehicles:
buildings and structures design and appearance, constructions and additions
poaching, trespass and theft
road laws for use of motor vehicles, bikes, trucks and other transport equipment
soil and water management
use of chemicals and biological agents
use of firearms and powerheads
use of utilities, including water, natural gas, electricity and sewage
water or land lease, tenure or ownership and use
OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control
product quality assurance:
correct naming and labelling (e.g. country of origin, Australian Fish Names Standard and eco-labelling)
correct quantities, sizes and other customer requirements
third-party certification (e.g. Australian Grown and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems).
OHS guidelines may include:
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace
codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector
enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards
hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures
induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner
OHS training register
safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace
systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts
the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
ESD principles may include:
controlling use and recycling of water, and managing water quality and quantity
increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources
managing environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control
managing imported products quarantine and inspection, facility biosecurity, translocation of livestock and genetic material, and health certification
managing stock health and welfare, especially for handling, holding, transport and slaughter
managing sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection requirements, such as size limits, quotas, season restrictions, population dynamics, fishing impacts, reducing by-catch, fisheries management strategies and maintaining biodiversity
managing, controlling and treating effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution
minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions
planning environmental and resource efficiency improvements
preventing genetically modified and live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment
protecting native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas, adhering to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, World Heritage and other international treaties for which Australia is a signatory
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
reducing use of non-renewable resources
reducing disturbances to soils, erosion and surface water flows from machinery use and other activities
reducing energy use and introducing alternative energy sources.
PPE may include:
buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)
gloves, mitts or gauntlets, and protective hand and arm covering
hard hat or protective head covering
hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)
insulated protective clothing for freezers or chillers and refrigeration units
non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear
personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
protective eyewear, glasses and face mask
protective hair, beard and boot covers
protective outdoor clothing for tropical conditions
respirator or face mask
safety harness
sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)
uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons)
waterproof clothing (e.g. wet weather gear and waders).
Water types may include:
brackish water (3-30 ppt)
freshwater (generally <3 ppt)
hypersaline (>41 ppt)
made up (salt mix is added to water according to requirements)
salt water (31-40 ppt)
soft and hard.
Water sources may include:
bore (e.g. artesian)
catchment (e.g. dam and reservoir)
coastal and ocean
rivers and streams
surface (e.g. spring and soak)
tidal creeks and estuaries
town or scheme.
Water budget may include:
availability of water in different regions of facility
evaporation and seepage losses
options on amount of water disposed daily or weekly
water holding capacity on-farm (storage)
volume of water required for emergency procedures
volume of water required for normal operations
volume of water required to fill cultured or held structures.
Water and soil quality may include:
pH, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and hardness
presence of diseases and other pathogenic organisms
presence of predator or competing organisms
sources of contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, nutrients, pesticides, herbicides and sewage)
water holding capacity of soils (e.g. clay content) and degree of overburden.
Water transfer, recharge, reuse and treatment systems may include:
alum
disinfection
filtration (e.g. chemical, mechanical and biological)
gravity
irrigation
nutrient removal
overflow
oxygenation
protein skimmers
pump (e.g. mechanical)
sediment collection
settlement or soak ponds
soak
temperature, salinity, pH and hardness
tidal
ultraviolet (UV) and ozone.
Culture or holding structures and systems may include:
blowers, aerators, paddlewheels and aspirators
cages, pontoons, enclosures and pens, including associated moorings, anchors, floats and markers
dams, ponds and pools
display tanks, aquaria and aquascapes
greenhouses, hothouses and igloos
grow out facilities, hatcheries and nurseries
harvesting swimways, canals or channels
live holding tanks, bins, cages and pens
longlines, posts, racks and rails, rafts, fences, socks, trays, sticks, baskets, modules, barrels, bags and panels
open, flow-through, closed and semi-closed systems
pest, predator and disease control structures
purging or depurating systems
tanks, raceways and recirculating systems
water supply and disposal or effluent systems including pumps, pipes, canals, channels, settlement ponds and storage dams.
(Design) decisions may be influenced by:
budget
environmental constraints
owner preferences
quoting procedures.
Key variables may include:
ability to undertake emergency procedures
efficiency of water use in various stock/weather situations
specialist water supply consultant
uniformity of distribution to culture of holding system.
Contingency plans may include:
alternative transport facilities
auxiliary oxygen supply
backup power supply
filter supplies
monitoring alarms
plumbing supplies
procedures in place in event of reduced water flow or water quality or other emergency.
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 evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
plan and design aquaculture water supply and disposal systems and establish operational parameters and procedures.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
aquatic organism physiology
design process for water supply and disposal systems
regulations and local water authority regulations
pumps and pipe mechanisms/operation
water quality monitoring
water treatment .
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.
Resources may include:
work-based scenario or case study
analytical laboratory equipment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
case studies
demonstration
practical exercises
project (work or scenario based)
questions written or oral.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
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 evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
plan and design aquaculture water supply and disposal systems and establish operational parameters and procedures.
Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
aquatic organism physiology
design process for water supply and disposal systems
regulations and local water authority regulations
pumps and pipe mechanisms/operation
water quality monitoring
water treatment .
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.
Resources may include:
work-based scenario or case study
analytical laboratory equipment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
case studies
demonstration
practical exercises
project (work or scenario based)
questions written or oral.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4179 | SFIAQUA507B | Plan and design water supply and disposal systems | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAS14 | SFIAQU507 | Plan and design water supply and disposal systems | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W990 | SFI50111 | Diploma of Aquaculture | Qualification |