Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:36 AM AWST

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Manage water systems

Manage water systems

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCWAT503
State Code
OBJ32
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/10/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/01/2020
Field of Education
080321 - Farm Management And Agribusiness
Original Release Date
28/01/2020
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine the feasibility of using or up-grading an irrigation system, install or maintain an irrigation or drainage system, monitor and assess water inputs, irrigation system and plant response and evaluate irrigation system performance.The unit applies to individuals who apply specialised skills and knowledge to the management of water systems, and take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They analyse and synthesise information and analyse, design and communicate solutions to sometimes complex problems.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess soil and water resources for crop and plant type
  • 1.1 Identify suitability of soil and water resources for irrigation
  • 1.2 Determine range of crops and plant types that could be grown in soil utilising available water resources
  • 1.3 Select crop and/or plant type based on assessment
2. Determine the feasibility of using or up-grading irrigation system
  • 2.1 Assess water resources and drainage implications to determine suitability for irrigation
  • 2.2 Determine water quality and treatment requirements
  • 2.3 Determine water requirements and most suitable application systems for each crop and plant type and area, and for each soil type
  • 2.4 Determine other water requirements, such as climate control
  • 2.5 Determine drainage requirements in relation to each soil and crop and plant type and type of irrigation system
  • 2.6 Assess performance data, audit reports, environmental and workplace health and safety data for existing systems
  • 2.7 Obtain information from irrigation specialists on all relevant aspects of irrigation design
  • 2.8 Assess and cost available irrigation system types and components and make a decision on the particular system to be used or upgrades to existing system
3. Install or maintain an irrigation or drainage system
  • 3.1 Determine and acquire materials and equipment making up the system
  • 3.2 Install irrigation system using advice, as necessary, from irrigation specialists
  • 3.3 Check that irrigation and drainage systems are supervised to ensure there are no leaks or blockages
  • 3.4 Confirm that the water is being evenly distributed and that the drainage is effective and the system is in good working order
4.Assess the need for water inputs
  • 4.1 Assess the need for water inputs at critical growth stages
  • 4.2 Consider crop value and induce appropriate water regimes including frost protection where appropriate
  • 4.3 Utilise soil moisture monitoring data
  • 4.4 Consider weather forecast, seasonal weather outlook, water allocations and water quality
  • 4.5 Consider energy costs in water application timing
5. Monitor irrigation system and plant response
  • 5.1 Identify volume and quality of water flow
  • 5.2 Plan scheduled irrigation system maintenance work to ensure minimised disruption to watering activities
  • 5.3 Monitor plant response to irrigation
  • 5.4 Modify irrigation scheduling to minimise water wastage and maximise outcomes
  • 5.5 Record irrigation system water usage according to workplace procedures
6. Evaluate irrigation system performance
  • 6.1 Determine and value plant growth, crop quality and yield from irrigation
  • 6.2 Calculate the cost of irrigation
  • 6.3 Identify and minimise poor water usage practices
  • 6.4 Determine the cost benefit of irrigation and compare with alternative systems and approaches
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAN98 AHCWAT502 Manage water systems Unit of competency