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 QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Water Treatment 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101588  Higher Certificate in Water Treatment 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to register as a Class III process controller in terms of the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997, Regulation 17). The scope of practice will include knowledge and skills of water and wastewater treatment processes, water science, water treatment machinery and equipment, safety and maintenance, water quality and more, enabling the graduate to operate water and wastewater treatment plants effectively. As a process controller, the learner will be able to operate a plant to the extent of producing drinking water of good quality as well as producing effluents from wastewater treatment plants that comply with the General Authorisations of the Department of Water Affairs for the discharge of effluents back into public streams (National Water Act, Section 21).

The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Operate water and wastewater treatment plants efficiently.
  • Perform operation control tests for unit processes in a water and wastewater treatment plant.
  • Apply safety procedures in all operations of unit processes in a water and wastewater treatment plant.
  • Perform routine maintenance procedures on water and wastewater treatment plant equipment.
  • Apply basic scientific knowledge to improve unit processes in water and wastewater treatment plants.
  • Produce final effluents that comply with legal requirements and national standards.
  • Work in a team to solve operational problems on water and wastewater treatment plants.
  • Act in accordance with the prescribed professional ethical codes of conduct.

    Rationale:
    An incentive-based regulation was introduced in 2008 by the Department of Water Affairs, through the Blue Drop Certification for drinking water quality and the Green Drop Certification for wastewater quality to monitor and assess the water quality in Republic of South Africa (RSA). During 2010 a total of 821 wastewater systems were assessed for Green Drop Certification. The results indicated that 38.6% of the plants were in a critical state and the performances of 17.4% of the plants were very poor. One of the major factors which contributed to the poor state of drinking water and wastewater treatment works was a lack of skilled operators. The estimated shortage of water and sanitation engineers in local governments was approximately 1200 engineers and some 4000 skilled operators according to the Water Research Commission. This shortage has yet to be addressed, as reported by the Minister of Water Affairs. At the opening of the Rand Water Academy in 2012, she emphasised the negative impact which the shortage in qualified artisans and technicians is currently having on the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities.

    The demand for clean drinking water is increasing yearly as the population increases, while the available water resources are becoming ever more limited and polluted. Poor quality of effluents from wastewater treatment plants are further contributing to the deterioration of the water resources. The lack of skilled water treatment personnel is one of the major factors which led to the poor state of water and wastewater treatment facilities in South Africa.

    The Higher Certificate in Water treatment is therefore targeted at experienced process personnel working at treatment plants to provide them with an opportunity to obtain the necessary skills and competencies to register as Class III process controller (with no work experience) in terms of the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997, Regulation 17) and therefore comply with the requirements of the Blue and Green Drop Certification.

    As a competent Process Controller the graduate will contribute towards maintaining the health of the South African population by providing safe drinking water, thereby reducing the number of working hours lost due to sickness as a result of consuming contaminated water. The graduate will also play an important role in the prevention of pollution of the South African water resources. As such he/she will contribute positively towards the development of the South African economy. The qualified process controllers will be employable at the Department of Water Affairs, Water Boards, Water Services Authorities and Municipalities throughout South Africa, alleviating the shortage in manpower. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning will be provided in accordance with the institution's RPL policy. Applicants will be considered for RPL if they have the following qualifications and number of years of experience in the capacity of processes controllers/plant operators:
    Qualifications and years of experience:
  • Standard 8/ Grade 10/N1/NQF 2 and 5 years' experience.
  • Standard 9/ Grade 11/N2/NQF 3 and 3 years' experience.

    Selection:
  • The potential learners have to write the potential assessment test, conducted by Student Development and Support.
  • The potential learners will be interviewed by the Head of Department (HOD) and panel in the Department Water, Environment and Earth Sciences to assess their technical skills in water treatment.
  • The potential learner has to submit a portfolio of evidence which will be evaluated by a departmental panel. The following evidence must be included:
    > Work history and experience in the operation of water/wastewater treatment plants.
    > Proof of employment in a water treatment plant.
    > Letter from the employer which state that he support the study.
    > Two references, one from his/her supervisor.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Senior Certificate without endorsement and with appropriate work experience and subjects.
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to Higher Certificate studies and with appropriate work experience and subjects. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Life Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Communication for Academic Purpose, 2 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy, 2 Credits.
  • Water Science I, 18 Credits.
  • Water Quality I, 18 Credits.
  • Water Treatment I, 21 Credits.
  • Wastewater Treatment I, 21 Credits.
  • Equipment and Safety I, 18 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the main areas of computer skills, communication, treatment processes, machinery and equipment, water quality, water science, safety, materials and consumables, as well as knowledge of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories thereof.
    2. Select and apply standard methods, procedures and techniques in fields such as computer usage, communication, process control and operational skills as well as general maintenance and application of safety.
    3. Identify, evaluate and solve defined routine and new problems in a familiar context in a water treatment plant and to apply solutions defined by a water technician.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to take account of and act in accordance with prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct.
    5. Gather information from a range of contexts in a water plant and to apply basic processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation on that information.
    6. Communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently using conventions appropriate to the context of water process control using a variety of conventions.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to account for own actions within a defined context in water process control and to work individually and with others. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of treatment processes in water and wastewater treatment practice in ways which produce quality drinking water and wastewater effluents.
  • Use technology, machinery and equipment in water and waste water treatment processes to facilitate smooth operation of treatment plants to produce good quality water and effluents.
  • Apply relevant water quality parameters and their impacts on human health and the environment in water and wastewater contexts to ensure safe drinking water for consumers and effluents that will not harm the environment.
  • Apply basic knowledge of chemistry, physics and microbiology principles in order to operate and control water and wastewater treatment processes to provide good quality drinking water and effluents from wastewater treatment plants.
  • Use Knowledge of chemicals in the different unit processes to ensure the safe handling of these chemicals during the operation of water treatment plants to produce good quality drinking water and effluents.
  • Use knowledge of computer software packages to operate and control water and wastewater treatment plants efficiently to provide water and wastewater of a good quality.
  • Apply knowledge of communication strategies required for written and verbal communication in a water treatment organisation for the efficient operation of water treatment plants.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Operate the different unit processes in a water and wastewater treatment plant according to standard procedures to produce water of a good quality.
  • Perform operational control tests so that each unit treatment process is operated efficiently.
  • Determine the chemical dosage required to coagulate, disinfect or correct the pH of water and set the dosing rates of the pumps and rota meters accordingly to produce a good quality effluent.
  • Apply the safety regulations on a treatment plant according to the relevant safety legislation to provide a safe work environment for the workers in the plant.
  • Do basic maintenance on plant equipment to ensure smooth operation and a continuous supply of good quality drinking water and effluents.
  • Use computer software packages, such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, to store daily operational data while Microsoft Outlook or other programmes used for communication to ensure smooth operation of the water treatment plant.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and solve common operational problems in different unit processes in a water treatment plant to ensure good quality product water.
  • Evaluate various quality parameters to identify and solve defined and new operational problems during the operation of water treatment plants.
  • Different control techniques are identified to solve common operational problems.
  • Demonstrate the ability to act on instructions from the plant supervisor when making adjustments to the operation of different unit processes ensuring the smooth operation of

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Interpret and apply ethical codes of water and wastewater process control consistently to ensure proper conduct.
  • Practice professional accountability and responsibility in the operation of water treatment plants to ensure safe drinking water for consumers and environmentally friendly effluents from wastewater treatment plants.
  • Apply standards for the practice of ethical conduct daily in water and wastewater treatment to ensure good quality water products which are not be harmful in any manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Monitored and evaluate the meters in the different unit processes (flow rate, dosage rates etc.) to take corrective actions required to produce good quality water products.
  • Keep, evaluate and correct quantities of waste generated (sludge, screenings, backwash water etc.), in order to run the water treatment plant effectively.
  • Evaluate records of the control tests performed at the various stages in the treatment process and make the necessary adjustments to improve the quality of water.
  • Use records of the chemicals in the different water treatment processes and communicate relevant information to superiors to ensure the smooth operation of the water treatment plant.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Report operational incidences (in writing and verbally) which could have an impact on the performance of a water or wastewater treatment plant to ensure continuous production of good quality water and effluents.
  • Write Safety incidence reports according to the procedures prescribed by legislation to maintain safety on a water treatment plant.
  • Report machinery breakdowns to the relevant sections in the water company to ensure prompt repair and therefore minimize the negative impact on the performance of the water / wastewater treatment plants.
  • Use computers are to communicate operational and control data to superiors to ensure smooth operation of water treatment plants.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Perform assignments to investigate an operational problem and report promptly to ensure smooth operation of water treatment plants.
  • Operate and control a water and wastewater treatment plant as a member of a team to produce good quality water.
  • Investigate and solve a process control problem as a team member to ensure smooth operation of water treatment plants and to produce good quality water.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is ensured by incorporating both formal and informal continuous assessment strategies into the qualification to ensure that not only assessment of learning takes place but also assessment of learning. Assessment strategies are underpinned by the Exit Level Outcomes and related assessment criteria, which are designed in articulation with the level descriptors and the scope of practice. As such, all elements are aligned with the purpose statement of the qualification. Integrated assessment will take place within the context of an active learning environment, in adherence to:
  • Quality assurance policies, procedures and processes.
  • A guided and supported learning environment.

    Formative assessment:
    Formative assessment will involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis through the whole year. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of the learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process of how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved, which include:
  • Assignments,
  • Demonstrations,
  • Practical work,
  • Projects,
  • Tests, and/or
  • Any other applicable methods.

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or programme. Results may be expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, with regard to level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment is often used for promotional purposes and may take the form of:
  • Examinations (theoretical and practical),
  • Portfolios,
  • Presentations,
  • Tests, and/or
  • Other applicable methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Higher Certificate in Water Treatment compares favourably with the following international qualifications:
  • The National Vocational Training Certificate Level III in Water Care, offered by Windhoek Vocational Training, in Namibia.
  • Water Industry Training Centre in Australia offer Certificate IV in Water Operations.

    The qualifications are aimed at Process Controllers working in water treatment plants. The learners will expand their knowledge and develop a range of vocational skills in water treatment. The Higher Certificate in Water Treatment is similar to the qualifications offered by the above mentioned international institutions. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers vertical specific articulation possibilities with the following qualifications offered at Tshwane University of Technology:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Water Science Technology, Level 6.
  • Diploma in a related field, Level 6

    This qualification also offers vertical systemic articulation possibilities with qualifications offered at other institutions provided the learner meets the minimum admission requirements.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in a cognate field of study, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Water Treatment, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Water Science and Technology, Level 6.
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.