Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:08 AM AWST
22/07/2026 1:08 AM 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.
Conduct a sustainable water use audit
Conduct a sustainable water use audit
Unit of competency
National Code
MSS015010A
MSS015010A
State Code
D7739
D7739
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/06/2014
Field of Education
050999 - Environmental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
12/06/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency covers conducting an audit for the specific resource of water in a manufacturing organisation, or part or all of a value chain.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Identify all sources and uses of water in process
- 1.1 Identify and categorise by quality all sources of water external to the site
- 1.2 Identify and categorise by quality all sources of water within the site
- 1.3 Identify all uses of water by process and category
- 1.4 Identify water quality required by each process unit
2 Calculate theoretical use of water
- 2.1 Calculate theoretical net use of water for each process unit
- 2.2 Calculate overall water balance for process/site
- 2.3 Evaluate the need for water consumption and water quality by process and units within the process compared to alternative processes/units
3 Measure actual use of water
- 3.1 Determine actual net water use for overall process/site
- 3.2 Determine actual net water use for each process unit
- 3.3 Calculate difference between theoretical and actual water use by unit and overall
- 3.4 Identify actual water quality used by each process unit
4 Develop strategies for reducing the use of water
- 4.1 Rank units by difference between theoretical and actual water use
- 4.2 Rank units by actual water use
- 4.3 Identify units using higher quality water than required
- 4.4 Develop strategies to reduce water consumption and/or use lower quality water
5 Prepare a recommendation for a water use reduction strategy
- 5.1 Consult with key stakeholders
- 5.2 Identify strategies required to meet regulatory or similar requirements
- 5.3 Rank strategies by benefit/cost ratio
- 5.4 Short-list preferred water reduction strategies
- 5.5 Prepare recommendation for improving water usage
Sources within the site
Sources within the site includes:
water generated by process, rain water and other natural water sources
Net use of water
Net use of water is:
water consumed minus water generated
Water quality
Water is available at a range of qualities which are suitable for various uses. Quality includes:
deionised/highly treated (e.g. high pressure boiler feed)
potable water
groundwater
waterway/reservoir
recycled water
grey water
black water
wastewater
Sources within the site includes:
water generated by process, rain water and other natural water sources
Net use of water
Net use of water is:
water consumed minus water generated
Water quality
Water is available at a range of qualities which are suitable for various uses. Quality includes:
deionised/highly treated (e.g. high pressure boiler feed)
potable water
groundwater
waterway/reservoir
recycled water
grey water
black water
wastewater
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to conduct a sustainability water audit, including calculation of theoretical and actual use of water and preparation of recommendations for water use reduction.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
identifying ranges of water quality as per range statement
calculating theoretical and actual water use by water quality
matching water quality to site or value chain needs
considering benefit/cost arguments for different water strategies.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with other relevant units addressing sustainability at the enterprise level or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Method of assessment
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to conduct a sustainability water audit, including calculation of theoretical and actual use of water and preparation of recommendations for water use reduction.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
identifying ranges of water quality as per range statement
calculating theoretical and actual water use by water quality
matching water quality to site or value chain needs
considering benefit/cost arguments for different water strategies.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with other relevant units addressing sustainability at the enterprise level or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Method of assessment
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAL13 | MSS015010 | Conduct a sustainable water use audit | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D551 | MSS40211 | Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology | Qualification |
| D553 | MSS50211 | Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology | Qualification |
| D552 | MSS50111 | Diploma of Sustainable Operations | Qualification |
| J131 | MSS50112 | Diploma of Sustainable Operations | Qualification |