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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Water Process Controller 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102255  Occupational Certificate: Water Process Controller 
ORIGINATOR
DQP - Water Institute of Southern Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  181  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 04170/20  2020-02-26  2025-02-26 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-02-26   2029-02-26  

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 prepare a learner to operate as a Water Process Controller. A Water Process Controller operates and controls the unit processes at a water services works to produce potable water, treated wastewater and associated waste products according to statutory and regulatory requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Inspect, operate and control chemical, biological and physical unit processes and equipment of water services works.
  • Monitor and test the physical, chemical and biological parameters of the treatment process.

    Rationale:
    This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of the operations and control of the unit processes at a water services works to produce potable water, treated wastewater and associated waste products according to statutory and regulatory requirements. Currently, there is no registered qualification on the NQF, (OQSF) under the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) that bridges the gap between knowledge and workplace skills required to fulfil the operations and control role on the water services works (treatment plant). Hence this qualification will replace the current qualifications; Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Level 1, 2 and 3.

    This qualification provides the learner with a career path and progression which follows three levels; from process operations and control of the water services works to the process control supervision as well as the management of the water services works and reticulation within the water sector. The progression will be such that this qualification equips the learner to operate and control the unit processes at a water services works in order to produce potable water, treated wastewater and associated waste products according to statutory and regulatory requirements under supervision whilst also preparing the learner to operate and supervise the water services works more independently and lastly prepare the learner to manage and optimise the entire water services from reticulation to treatment in order to produce potable water, treated wastewater and associated waste products according to statutory and regulatory requirements.

    The qualification will be a foundational entry level into the water sector occupational qualification and also provide the flexibility to pursue different specialised careers within the sector and other fields related to the water sector such as a career in pollution control, wet industries, electricity generation, and environmental qualifications. Learners will have the capacity to advance, gain workplace skill and enhance productivity within the water sector, improve the health of communities and contribute towards the socio and ecological sustainability and improvement of the water resources and receiving current environment status. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    Level 2 with Mathematics and Communication. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 313203000-KM-01, Basic Water Chemistry, Processes and Calculations, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 313203000-KM-02, Chemical Treatment Process, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 313203000-KM-03, Biological Treatment Process, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 313203000-KM-04, Physical Treatment Process, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 313203000-KM-05, Sludge Treatment and Handling, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 313203000-KM-06, Health and Safety and Environmental Legislation, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 313203000-KM-07, Equipment and Materials, Level 3, 6 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 65.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 313203000-PM-01, Inspect, Operate and Control Chemical Processes and Equipment, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 313203000-PM-02, Inspect, Operate and Control Biological Processes and Equipment, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 313203000-PM-03, Inspect, Operate and Control Physical Processes and Equipment, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 313203000-PM-04, Inspect, Operate and Control Sludge Treatment Process and Disposal Processes and Equipment, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 313203000-PM-05, Collect and Analyse Samples and Interpret Results, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 313203000-PM-06, Operate Automated Process Control Systems and Computer Equipment, Level 3, 5 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 35.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 313203000-WM-01, Operation and Control of Mechanical and Electrical Equipment and Monitoring of Instrumentation, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 313203000-WM-02, Sampling and Testing at Water Services Works, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 313203000-WM-03, Operation and Control of Water Treatment Process, Level 3, 24 Credits.
  • 313203000-WM-04, Operation and Control of Wastewater Treatment Process, Level 3, 32 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 81. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Operate and control chemical, biological and physical unit processes and associated plant for compliance with required standards.
    2. Inspect, monitor and test the physical, chemical and biological parameters in order to make appropriate process adjustments. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss and explain the sequence of water services treatment and processes in respect of its interrelated effects to each process unit.
  • Identify all safety, health, environmental and operational risks in the operation of processes and equipment and develop appropriate mitigation plans in line safety and environmental legislation.
  • Demonstrate knowledge in the operation of machinery and equipment relating to start-up, operating, shutdown, commissioning and decommissioning procedures in compliance with manufacturer specifications.
  • Undertake a root cause analysis for defined treatment process problems and recommend appropriate action to the situation.
  • Optimise treatment processes of water services works to meet process targets.
  • Apply different troubleshooting practices to unique and different situation and provide explanations of remedial action to these situations.
  • Undertake and explain calculations showing the interrelatedness of different physical units within the water services works correctly.
  • Perform and explain basic calculations relating to the area, flow rate, volume, heat loss/gain in terms of the water services functions to communities.
  • Explain complex valving schemes and flow patterns specific to a variety of treatment processes to specified specifications.
  • Explain the legislative requirements for sludge treatment correctly.
  • Undertake various actions required for sludge handling to maintain the required conditions.
  • Demonstrate competency in the discussions and explanations relating to sludge handling processes.
  • Maintain and calibrate various instruments as per standard operating procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and discuss different types and methods of sampling in terms of their use in different situations and environments.
  • Explain sampling and sampling methods correctly to different contexts.
  • Perform chemical and microbiological samples to a specified set of sampling tasks.
  • Make observations through sensory inputs of indicators to determine the proper functioning of the process unit and equipment.
  • Identity, explain and use different chemical dosing equipment for specified conditions of treatment works.
  • Monitor water services plant to identify areas requiring improvement and action steps taken to improve functional efficiency.
  • Explain the inspection of the processes and equipment in terms of its importance to optimal operation of water services works.
  • Identify and treat sources and types of sludge produced at the water services works to required operational standards.
  • Interpret the testing and analysis of samples and recommend and implement corrective action to comply with the prescribed range according to plant process requirements and permit/licence requirement.
  • Compile various reports and communication messages using a personal computer.
  • Read and interpret mechanical instruments to find faults and recommend and apply corrective actions compliant with manufacture specifications.
  • Identify, operate, control and use elements and functions of SCADA system to assess the performance of the water services works.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    The relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner conducts an external integrated summative assessment for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The purpose of this international comparability is to facilitate the development of a meaningful learning path, ensuring compatibility and compliance with existing international qualification specification and regulation, where they exist. It also offers an opportunity to compare the standard of this qualification with those used by comparable countries. The broad competencies of this qualification were compared to similar qualifications and training courses from the following countries that represented either best practice in the field or offered the learning at this level of competence:
  • New Zealand.
  • Australia.

    New Zealand:
    New Zealand Water and Environment Training Academy offer the National Certificate in Wastewater Treatment (Site Operator) at Level 4. The qualification is for people working under supervision with municipal or industrial wastewater systems, who want to achieve higher professional standards and progress in their careers. It covers specialist wastewater treatment skills that include the design and operation of wastewater treatment and reticulation systems, wastewater sampling and testing.

    The qualification offers the following modules over two years:
  • Core skills and knowledge:
    > Workplace health and safety.
    > Impacts of hygiene on public health.
    > First aid.
    > Communication skills.
    > Basic relevant maths and science theory process control.
  • Wastewater Treatment Skills:
    > Design and operation of wastewater and reticulation systems.
    > Sampling and testing of wastewater.
    > Sludge digestion and activated sludge.
    > Oxidation ponds and aerated lagoons.
    > Fixed growth reactors.
    > Tertiary processes.
    > Bio-solid and waste management.
    > Pumping systems.

    Australia:
    Water Training Australia, on the other hand, offers similar training but can be done in modular form or comprehensively and offers the following modules:
  • Use maps, plans, drawings and specifications: offers both knowledge and skills to read maps, plans and specifications.
  • Perform basic water quality test: focuses operators on the maintenance of water quality after repair work.
  • Computerised systems: this provides knowledge and skills on the use of intranet, SCADA, maintenance systems and word processing applications.
  • Perform sampling: provides skills and knowledge on the collection, storage and send off routine water samples.
  • Operate, monitor and conduct minor maintenance on pump stations: provides knowledge and skills to operate pump station in water and wastewater systems.
  • Monitor and report on water treatment processes: the module is designed to provide the skills and knowledge required to monitor and report on basic water treatment processes within community (potable) and industrial water treatment plants in urban and rural areas.
  • Operate and maintain water treatment plant and equipment: the module is designed to provide the skills and knowledge required to operate basic water treatment processes within the community (potable) and industrial water treatment plants in urban and rural areas.
  • Monitor, operate and report on chlorine-based disinfection system: this module offers skills related to monitoring and operating chlorine disinfection systems and to report on process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and report sedimentation processes: designed to provide the skills and knowledge required to monitor and operate non-chemically assisted sedimentation processes and report on the sedimentation system performance and process quality control within domestic and industrial wastewater treatment plants or stormwater systems.
  • Monitor, operate and report on ultra-irradiation disinfection systems: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor and operate ultraviolet (UV) irradiation disinfection systems and to report on microbiological quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and report on ozone treatment systems: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor and operate ozone treatment systems and to report on process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and report on fluoridation systems: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor and operate fluoridation systems and to report on water quality control.
  • Work safely with liquefied chlorine gas.
  • Provide and promote customer service.
  • Monitor, operate and control water treatment processes: the module provide the skills and knowledge required to perform basic monitoring, operation, control and measurement of water treatment plant processes and to report on water treatment plant system performance and process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and control coagulation and flocculation processes: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor, operate and control coagulation and flocculation plant; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and control sedimentation and clarification processes: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor, operate and control sedimentation and clarification plant; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and control dissolved air flotation processes: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor, operate and control dissolved air flotation (DAF) plant; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and control granular media filtration processes: the module provide the skills and knowledge required to monitor, operate and control granular media filtration plant; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and control membrane filtration processes: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor, operate and control membrane filtration plant, including micro and ultra-filtration; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and control reverse osmosis and nano-filtration processes: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor, operate and control reverse osmosis (RO) and or nanofiltration (NF) plant; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and control dewatering processes: the module provide the skills and knowledge required to monitor, operate and control water and or wastewater dewatering and sludge thickening plant; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.
  • Perform laboratory testing: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to perform laboratory tests and or procedures using standard methods and with access to readily available advice.
  • Identify and confirm blue-green algae outbreaks: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to identify and confirm outbreaks of blue-green algae blooms.
  • Monitor, operate and control chlorination disinfection processes: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor, operate and control chlorination processes; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.
  • Monitor, operate and control activated carbon adsorption processes: the module provide the skills and knowledge required for the monitoring, operational coordination and control, measurement and reporting of activated carbon adsorption system performance and process quality control.
  • Investigate and plan the optimisation of granular media filtration processes: the module provide the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and report on system performance and process quality control.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of quality systems: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to understand and implement quality systems in the water industry and to identify opportunities for improvement in quality outcomes for the organisation.
  • Coordinate and monitor river system usage: the module provides the skills and knowledge required to monitor and coordinate the operation of river systems and measure and report on river flows, including flood plains and the river environment.

    Conclusion:
    Most of the training in the abovementioned countries are short courses in a variety of routine machine operator activities. The courses are of vary in duration. Some are graded from basic to advanced levels. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Community Water, Health and Sanitation Monitoring, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
  • To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules utilising statements of results and work experience including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
  • Level 4 with proficiency in Mathematics.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
  • Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
  • The curriculum title and code is: Water Process Controller: 313203000.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This qualification is not a trade qualification.

    Part Qualifications:
  • None. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.