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 reticulation systems and the cleaning and disinfection thereof 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254062  Demonstrate knowledge of water reticulation systems and the cleaning and disinfection thereof 
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  12 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard will be able to contribute to the socio-economic development of the water and waste water services industry by displaying competence in the following specific outcomes:
  • Describe the purpose and components of water supply systems.
  • Describe the hydraulics of a water reticulation system.
  • Describe the consequences of not cleaning water mains and reservoirs.
  • Describe the techniques used for cleaning and disinfecting water mains.
  • Describe the planning, and techniques used for cleaning water reservoirs.
  • Describe the use of chlorine compounds for disinfection. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    NQF Level 2 unit standards dealing with safety and the use of tools and equipment Literacy deemed to be appropriate at this Level. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Legislation:
  • Current and relevant occupational health and safety legislation. Current Health Act and regulations.

    Relevant and applicable SANS/SABS standards.

    Safety signs and symbols:
  • Identify a minimum of three (3) information, three (3) instruction, three (3) fire prevention and three (3) warning signs and symbols.

    Safety emergency situations:
  • Fire prevention and evacuation, personal safety actions, rescue.

    Personal protective equipment:
  • Overalls/overalls suitable for working with chlorine, gloves, gumboots, safety shoes, mask, gas mask, acid resistant boots, face shield. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the purpose and components of water supply systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of water supply systems is described in terms of protection of public health. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirement for adequate water supply, uses of water, ability to prevent endemic diseases, disease outbreak due to non-potable supplies, back flow prevention.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Raw water is described in terms of types, quality, and quantity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types:
  • Fresh and saline water, groundwater.

    Quality:
  • Pollution, chemicals, pesticides, saline intrusion, contamination, variation due to weather.

    Quantity:
  • Flow reliability, competition for water uses, storage, variation due to weather.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Raw water systems are described in terms of their size and elevation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Impoundments, supply mains, pumps, boreholes, springs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Treatment options are described in terms of Drinking Water Standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Course screening, sedimentation, chemical coagulation, filtration by conventional or mechanical means, pH correction, fluoridation, disinfection; tastes and odours-sources and remedies.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Primary distribution systems are described in terms of supply security and peak flow management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reservoir detention, elevation considerations, control valves, monitoring and control systems, service reservoirs; pumping.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Service reservoirs are described in terms of their position, functions, and valves. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Diurnal peak storage and attenuation, fire reserves, elevation control, supply loss storage, inlet and outlet arrangements, drain/overflow lines, bypass valves, check valves, flow meters.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Trunk/Bulk, reticulation, and secondary reticulation mains are described in terms of their functions and fittings. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Capacities, flow rates, pressure drops, ring mains, fire flows, fire hydrants, valves.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Property services are described in terms of their component parts and sizing. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tees, saddles, service pipe, stopcocks, backflow prevention, meters, belltoby boxes, tail pipes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the hydraulics of a water reticulation system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of pressure is described in terms of static pressure and variation of pressure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sources and variation of pressure losses are described in terms of flow rate changes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Internal pipe pressure forces are described in terms of anchorage requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Jointing requirements, end caps, bends, thrust blocks, ground loadings, water hammer.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of pumps is described in terms of the impact on hydraulic gradients. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the sources of contamination and the consequences of not cleaning water mains and reservoirs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The sources of contamination are described in terms of its origin and consequence. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sand intrusion, dirt intrusion resulting from mains repairs, scale in pipes, algae growth, cross/unauthorized connections to the water mains, dead animals in reservoirs, sub standard and corrosion of fittings, over chlorination, inferior chemicals, faulty treatment equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of contamination are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The impacts of detritus build up in water supply mains and reservoirs terms of protection of microbes from disinfectants, shielding from chlorine, corrosion of pipes and fittings, quality of water supply.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the techniques used for cleaning and disinfecting water mains. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of flushing flows is described in terms of their cleaning and disinfecting efficiency. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Detritus removal, dead spots, recesses, flow availability, scour velocity, surface effects.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of air scouring flows is described in terms of their cleaning and disinfecting efficiency. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air introduction, detritus removal, dead spots, recesses, flow availability, scour velocity, surface effects.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of swabbing is described in terms of cleaning and disinfecting efficiency. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Swab and pig types, swab recovery, detritus removal, recesses, flow availability, scour velocity, surface effects.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The use of chemicals for cleaning is described in terms of their cleaning and disinfecting efficiency. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Strong acid and alkaline dosing, chlorine chemicals, chemical introduction methods, detritus removal, flushing flow availability, disposal of flushing water, surface effects.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of chlorination following main laying or repair is described in terms of the techniques available. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Single fill/hold technique, flow through technique, assessment of dose levels and times.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe the planning, and techniques used for cleaning water reservoirs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reservoir cleaning plan is described in terms of the time taken, and the sequence of operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of flushing flows is described in terms of their cleaning and impact on disinfecting efficiency. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fire hydrant flows, limitations on jet holding, detritus removal, flow availability, surface effects, disposal of water flows.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of water blasters is described in terms of their cleaning efficiency. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Limitations on jet size and effective reach, detritus removal, surface effects, disposal of water flows.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The use of hosing and brooms is described in terms of their cleaning efficiency. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Limitations on reach, detritus removal, flow availability, surface effects, disposal of water flows.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of a disinfectant following cleaning is described in terms of the efficiency of the technique. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dose levels; contact times; need for prior detritus removal; disposal of dosed water; safety issues; chemical/confined space.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Describe the use of chlorine compounds for disinfection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The forms of chlorine available are described in terms of their effectiveness, and safety issues. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Chlorine gas, calcium hypochlorite (HTH), sodium hypochlorite (bleach), isocyanuric acid (pool tablets).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The concept of concentration times time is described in terms of disinfection effectiveness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Concept of Ct values.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The making up chlorine solutions are described in terms of the solution strength. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The impacts of releasing highly chlorinated water is described in terms of the receiving environment, sewage plants, and consumers. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Impacts on-aquatic life systems, sewage micro-organisms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The safety procedures and equipment used when handling chlorine compounds are described in terms of organisational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheets, safety goggles, face shields, eyewash, protective clothing, self contained breathing apparatus.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The storage of chlorine compounds is described in terms of safety procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    13 % sodium hypo-chlorite, 65 % calcium hypochlorite, pool tablets, chlorine gas in small cylinders.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The neutralisation of chlorine prior to discharge to waste is described in terms of the use of sodium thiosulphate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The application of chlorine compounds is described in terms of safe techniques. 


    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 to 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 to have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • The current and relevant occupational health and safety legislation.
  • Measurement of pH, chlorine.
  • Physical properties of gases in confined spaces and their safe use. 
    		•

    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:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively:
  • Personal protective equipment is worn at all times.
  • A clean, healthy and safe working environment is maintained in accordance with work policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 
    Range Statements:
  • Range statements associated with Assessment Criteria and Specific Outcomes to be taken in the context of the level of learning and credit allocation of this unit standard. The topics referred to herein are intended to introduce learners to these concepts. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  60169   National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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.
     
    1. 4 TOPS ACADEMY 
    2. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    3. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    4. ERWAT 
    5. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    6. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    7. THOBOLOGO TRAINING & EDUCATION GROUP 
    8. 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.