SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Control water abstraction structures 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255982  Control water abstraction structures 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
115884  Control water intakes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for persons who have the responsibility to operate the abstract ion of water from water sources.

The person achieving this unit standard will be able to ensure the care and optimal functioning of abstraction structures for untreated water. This competence will enable the learner to monitor adverse activities in a catchment area, operate and maintain the abstraction works and monitor the quality and flow of untreated water required for treatment purposes. This competence will contribute towards the protection of the water environment and ensure a safe water environment for public utilisation. Achieving this unit standard will enhance the efficiency of the qualifying learner and provide foundational learning that will advance his/her own expertise and employability in the water and other related sectors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Knowledge of water sampling techniques, mechanical and electrical equipment, pumps and personal safety practices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Abstraction Works:
  • Boreholes, weirs and inlet towers.

    Mechanical Equipment:
  • Valves, screens, penstocks, booms, gates and fish traps and metering equipment and surge vessels.

    Structural Problems:
  • Stability, seepage and spalding concrete.

    Civil Works:
  • Reservoirs, dams, weirs, canals, chambers and intake towers.

    Water levels in bore holes:
  • Pumping level, recovery time and resting level. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the environment in a catchment area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Catchment water sources are inspected in order to identify possible problems that may affect abstraction of water. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Possible problems include but are not limited to pollution, blockages and algae.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Land use in the catchment is monitored for potential impact on water quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Undesirable aquatic vegetation is identified and explained in order to take control measures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of patrolling boundary fencing is explained in terms of security requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Public access is controlled in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Informal liaison is maintained with stakeholders in the catchment area in order to promote cooperation for safety reasons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Provision and condition of safety facilities and rescue equipment is checked in accordance with work procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Operate and maintain abstraction works. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mechanical equipment is operated and maintained in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Civil works are inspected for structural problems and repair if necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Problems are identified and appropriate action is taken in accordance with own scope of responsibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Stratification is explained in terms of its influence and consequences on the water treatment process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Measures to deal with stratification are identified and implemented in order to maintain consistent water quality. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor flow rates and levels at river and levels at reservoirs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Control valves and penstocks are operated to obtain the required flow rates. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Abstraction volumes and flows are measured and controlled within license parameters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Compensation flows are measured and controlled in accordance with license requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Abstraction, impounding and storage data are accurately recorded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pumps are operated to produce required flow. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Duty and standby pumps are rotated at required frequency in accordance with work procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor and adjust abstraction rates at boreholes in accordance with works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mechanical equipment is operated and maintained in accordance with works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Duty/standby pumps are rotated at required frequency. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Water levels are monitored in boreholes using level indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Surge vessels are checked and topped up with air in order to prevent water hammer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Bore holes and well head floors are checked and disinfected to protect the water from contamination. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Monitor abstraction point quality and conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Water quality monitoring equipment is operated, checked and calibrated to maintain accuracy of readings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Changes in parameters outside the permitted range are identified in order to take appropriate action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Abstracted water samples are collected using the correct sampling techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Data is collated, recorded for corrective action. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Isolate the abstraction point in emergency conditions in accordance with works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Emergency procedures to isolate an abstraction point are demonstrated in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Lines of communication under emergency conditions are explained for coordination and decision-making purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Procedure for short term shut down is applied in order to prevent risks to the treatment process. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Catchment areas.
  • Understanding of the impact of agriculture and industry on the condition of the catchment.
  • Drainage underflows, piezometer readings and dam pore pressures.
  • National Water Act and licensing procedures and applications.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Bore holes and monitoring of flow.
  • Communication with stakeholders. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made to protect the catchment against pollution. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community to ensure good environmental practice in the catchment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively to ensure a sufficient abstraction of untreated water. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relating to water quality and quantity in order to ensure safe supplies. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with stakeholders using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation to promote cooperation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically to monitor water quality and take corrective action thus showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, thus providing water for humans and animals. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 115884, "Control water intakes", Level 4, 8 credits.

    Integrated Assessment:

    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed. Assessors must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge by developing assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the learners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment. It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together in an integrated way, thus reducing the overall number of assessments and ensuring that commonalities that exist among a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Assessment Option:

    Learners could be assessed using the following methods:
  • Verbal and written questions.
  • Observations.
  • Evaluation of records and reports.

    Supplementary Notes:

    Definition:

    The term stratification is used when dams turnover through temperature effects in later autumn expose the bottom water to the surface. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  61709   Further Education and Training Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
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    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.