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: 

Demonstrate knowledge of water cycle, water and wastewater systems and processes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246463  Demonstrate knowledge of water cycle, water and wastewater systems and processes 
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 2  NQF Level 02  5 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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
12033  Demonstrate knowledge of water cycle, water and wastewater systems and processes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A qualifying learner will be able to explain the elements of the water cycle and water catchment management and gain a broad perspective of the water sector including relevant legislation. This knowledge will equip the learner with the foundational knowledge and understanding of water that is required to function effectively within the water sector as this knowledge is required in all areas. This competence will enable the learner to value water as a scarce resource and share this knowledge to improve community understanding of the importance of conserving water resources.

Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of:
  • Identifying and explaining the process of the natural water cycle.
  • Explaining the impact of land-use on water within a catchment.
  • Discussing ground water as a water resource.
  • Discussing surface water as a water resource. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Elements of the natural water cycle include but are not limited to:
  • Evaporation, condensation, transpiration, precipitation, surface water run-off, underground water movement, water catchments and water distribution.

    Water users:
  • Domestic, agriculture, recreational (contact & non contact), environment, industry (formal and informal).

    Pollution:
  • Air, soil, water, human activities including agriculture, industry and mining pollution.

    Relevant legislation and standards related to water purification:
  • National Water Act No 36 of 1998, Water Services Act and SANS 241. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and explain the process of the natural water cycle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The water cycle is drawn using a diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Elements of water cycle are identified and described in terms of their interrelationship. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Elements refer to but are not limited to evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation and infiltration.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Physical forms of water are identified and explained in terms of their properties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Properties refer to but are not limited solid, liquid, gas temperature and density.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the impact of land-use on water within a catchment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of a "catchment" is explained as part of the water cycle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Water users are identified and listed in terms of their needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of land-use on quantity and quality of water are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Specific chemicals and nutrients polluting water are identified and listed in terms their impact on the quality of water. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specific chemicals and nutrients refer to but are not limited to nitrates, phosphate, sulphate, chlorides, iron, manganese, herbicides and pesticides.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of water and its impact on health and development is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Regulations controlling water use are identified and listed in accordance with their requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Section 19 of the National Water Act, (act No.36 of 1998), Section 9 of the National Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997), Section of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998), Water Use Licensing, municipal by-laws regulating water use.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Ways to conserve water are identified and explained to ensure optimal use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ways to conserve water include but are not limited to water wise gardening, shower instead of baths, low flush toilets and recycling and re-use of water.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The principle of charging for water and wastewater treatment and water distribution is explained in order to create sustainable services. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Discuss ground water as a water resource. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The origin of ground water is explained in terms of its role in the water cycle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Factors that may pollute ground water are identified and listed with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include to but are not limited to pit latrines, mining, landfill sites and cemeteries.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods of ground water collection and extraction are identified and listed in terms of their roles in water cycle. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods refer to but are not limited to boreholes (windmill and pumps), artesian well and springs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Natural chemical contaminants are discussed to determine ground water use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Natural chemical contaminants refer to but are not limited to fluoride, sulphates, nitrates, sodium, iron and manganese.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Discuss surface water as a water resource. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Surface water refers to but is not limited to rain water, streams, rivers, lakes and dams. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The origin of surface water and its role in the water cycle is explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Origin of surface water refers to water from the mountains and springs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of collecting and abstracting surface water are identified and described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Methods of collection refer to but are not limited to impoundment (dams, canals, lakes) rivers and reservoirs.
  • Methods of abstraction include but are not limited to pumping and gravity flow.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Actions to control contamination are identified and listed in order to prevent water pollution. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Actions include but are not limited to run-off control, storm water drainage, limiting industrial pollution, pre-treatment and zero effluent discharge.
     


    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 
    Learners should have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Water reticulation.
  • Sewerage systems.
  • Disposal, recycle and re-use of treated wastewater.
  • The impact of seasons in the water supply.
  • The principles on which the National Water Act is based.
  • The role of safe, clean water in the prevention of disease. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems relating to water contamination by taking responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community to identify possible water resources that can be used to provide water services. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information pertaining to water quality and the pollution of water resources for corrective action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation with internal stakeholders. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically to provide water services responsibly while protecting 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 in the water cycle. 

    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 12033, "Demonstrate knowledge of water cycle, water and wastewater systems and processes", Level 2, 5 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 between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Assessment Option:

    Learners will be assessed through the following methods:
  • Oral or written questions. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61689   National Certificate: Community Water, Health and Sanitation Promotion  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Core  77163   National Certificate: Industrial Water Treatment Support System Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Core  60169   National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Core  58951   National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Elective  96402   National Certificate: Hot Water System Installation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  74269   National Certificate: Occupational Health, Safety and Environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-07-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.
     
    1. 4 TOPS ACADEMY 
    2. Africa International Training Facilities T/A AITF (BREDELL) (TP) 
    3. ATTI NELSPRUIT (PTY) LTD 
    4. Better Best Agri Development 
    5. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    6. CLEAN HEAT ENERGY SAVING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    7. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    8. ESKOM GENERATION - PALMIET PUMP STORAGE GRABOUW 
    9. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    10. MTL Training and Projects 
    11. NTANDOKAZI HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 
    12. POWER SYSTEMS TRAINING, CAPE TOWN 
    13. Schoolboy Training Centre 
    14. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    15. THOBOLOGO TRAINING & EDUCATION GROUP 
    16. Tjeka Training Matters Pty Ltd 
    17. Training Force (Pty) Ltd 
    18. URSIVOX (PTY) LTD 


    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.