Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:39 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:39 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.
Develop a water quality monitoring program
Develop a water quality monitoring program
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCNRM502A
AHCNRM502A
State Code
D7072
D7072
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
100
Description
This unit of competency covers the process of developing a water-quality monitoring program. It requires the ability to assess the requirements of such a program, determine the type and extent of data to be collected, store and manage data, interpret and analyse the data, assess water quality, assess factors contributing to water quality, monitor and evaluate the program. Developing a water quality monitoring program required knowledge of the hydrological cycle, catchment and coastal management issues contributing to surface and groundwater quality, water quality parameters, chemical principles, sampling techniques, analytical techniques, data storage and management and accepted scientific process.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine water quality monitoring program requirements
- 1.1. Survey client to identify scope, objectives and constraints of project and intended use of the data.
- 1.2. Research, collate and evaluate background information relevant to survey type and site.
- 1.3. Determine water quality indicators to be measured, frequency and volume of sampling required to meet scope, objectives and constraints of project.
- 1.4. Determine that procedures required for data collection and processing and reporting format are consistent with the survey scope, objectives and constraints of program and legislative requirements.
- 1.5. Seek estimates of costs involved and/or sources of funds for the program as required by the client and according to enterprise policies and procedures.
- 1.6. Provide a survey strategy to client that reflects project requirements, scope, objectives and constraints for discussion and approval.
2. Undertake a site analysis
- 2.1. Identify and record physical and biological features at the site of the monitoring program.
- 2.2. Identify and record resource management factors that are contributing to water quality.
- 2.3. Survey biota as required to meet the scope and objectives of the program.
- 2.4. Identify and assess OH&S hazards and risks associated with conducting the sampling program.
- 2.5. Identify and evaluate sampling points for safety, accessibility and opportunities for repeatable data collection.
3. Plan monitoring program
- 3.1. Evaluate information gathered to select suitable monitoring sites for repeatable monitoring and to obtain representative samples.
- 3.2. Source and cost laboratory and field equipment, tools, machinery and other material required for the monitoring program, assess for suitability/reliability and confirm availability with suppliers, contractors and enterprise personnel.
- 3.3. Confirm surveyor access to site with land manager for the duration of the monitoring program.
- 3.4. Determine and document OH&S controls and emergency procedures required for the program to be presented to appropriate personnel according to enterprise policies and guidelines.
- 3.5. Document methods of data collection, monitoring and field techniques for field operators according to enterprise policies and guidelines.
- 3.6. Present to appropriate personnel and the client for briefing and acceptance, survey schedules and procedures developed in accordance with enterprise guidelines and relevant legislation.
4. Monitor water quality
- 4.1. Carry out surveying tasks out in line with monitoring plan and enterprise/agency guidelines/protocols and in accordance with OH&S guidelines.
- 4.2. Store and transport and treat samples with regard to temperature, maximum holding periods and other variables and according to enterprise/agencies guidelines and policies.
- 4.3. Monitor surveying process for accuracy, compliance with the survey plans and procedures, OH&S policies and regulatory requirements.
- 4.4. Assess and evaluate for errors and inconsistencies, implementing contingency plans when problems arise with the monitoring plans and procedures.
5. Evaluate program
- 5.1. Analyse data collected according to industry policies and guidelines and scientific standards.
- 5.2. Outcomes, conclusions and/or trends from the monitoring program are drawn from relevant information including industry standards for interpretation of water quality data and are based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments.
- 5.3. Advice is sought from client as to satisfaction with monitoring program in terms of the process and outcomes.
- 5.4. Provide report on outcomes to client with recommendations for changes and improvements any further monitoring activities.
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.
Survey scope may include:
the time over which the water-quality monitoring program is to be undertaken
size of the area to be surveyed
the type of monitoring
frequency of sampling
the extent of analysis and recommendations required.
Objectives may include:
monitoring of the health of an aquatic system
measuring trends in quality over time
measuring outcomes in response to changes in catchment or coastal management
conforming to regulatory requirements related to quality of discharge water from an enterprise.
Processes for data collection may include:
the sampling techniques
treatment
storage and transport of samples
measurement standards
identification of species
Processes may include:
data recording
organising
storage
analysis and presentation techniques including
Methods of data collection, monitoring and field techniques to be documented may include:
the scope and frequency of monitoring reports
the collecting, recording and storing of data (eg. logbooks, recording sheets, dataloggers).
techniques and guides for the field identification of species
recording of site information and use of information for classification, coding systems etc
checklists for equipment, tools and machinery for field trips
the storage, transport, calibration, maintenance and safe operation of equipment, tools and machinery including the manufacturers instructions
guidelines for the treatment, preservation, transport and storage of specimens.
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.
Survey scope may include:
the time over which the water-quality monitoring program is to be undertaken
size of the area to be surveyed
the type of monitoring
frequency of sampling
the extent of analysis and recommendations required.
Objectives may include:
monitoring of the health of an aquatic system
measuring trends in quality over time
measuring outcomes in response to changes in catchment or coastal management
conforming to regulatory requirements related to quality of discharge water from an enterprise.
Processes for data collection may include:
the sampling techniques
treatment
storage and transport of samples
measurement standards
identification of species
Processes may include:
data recording
organising
storage
analysis and presentation techniques including
Methods of data collection, monitoring and field techniques to be documented may include:
the scope and frequency of monitoring reports
the collecting, recording and storing of data (eg. logbooks, recording sheets, dataloggers).
techniques and guides for the field identification of species
recording of site information and use of information for classification, coding systems etc
checklists for equipment, tools and machinery for field trips
the storage, transport, calibration, maintenance and safe operation of equipment, tools and machinery including the manufacturers instructions
guidelines for the treatment, preservation, transport and storage of specimens.
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 critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.
Assessment must confirm one's ability to:
determine water quality monitoring requirements for a project brief
undertake research and a site analysis to select suitable monitoring sites
develop the monitoring plan
monitor and evaluate the program.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor.
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 critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.
Assessment must confirm one's ability to:
determine water quality monitoring requirements for a project brief
undertake research and a site analysis to select suitable monitoring sites
develop the monitoring plan
monitor and evaluate the program.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP18 | AHCNRM502 | Develop a water quality monitoring program | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D523 | AHC51110 | Diploma of Conservation and Land Management | Qualification |