The Value of Operator Competency project was a WaterRA initiative to communicate the value and benefits of an appropriately trained and competent frontline operator workforce. A key finding was: ‘The current governance approach to technical competency in the Australian water industry does not guarantee the implementation of L&D (Learning & Development) programs, that deliver the necessary competency required to undertake frontline operator roles.’

Currently there is no consistent national operator competency benchmark and this has resulted in inconsistent approaches by utilities to operator training and competency. This project proposes to bring industry and regulators together to develop minimum standards for technical competency that facilitates a more consistent approach towards technical competency and the implementation of L&D programs for frontline water industry operations.

The project will:

1. Identify and review current national L&D programs.

2. Develop a Technical Competency Benchmark that facilitates a consistent approach towards evaluation and implementation of competency, including:

• Identification of roles, process mapping, training needs analysis, and knowledge and skills requirements
• Nationally Accredited training
• National Registration
• Maintenance of knowledge and skills

3. Develop template tools for water utilities to develop and implement benchmark requirements.

4. Develop tools for water utilities to self-audit and a version for regulators to provide to auditors.

5. Trial tools in regional and remote utilities as identified by project partners.

6. Develop a knowledge sharing program for the water industry and regulators.

Failure to maintain appropriate levels of knowledge, skill, and experience in the frontline operator workforce runs the risk of disruption and loss of service delivery consequent to human error, along with associated risks to the environment and public health and safety. This research reviewed literature that reports water quality safety incidents, other industry training requirements, and forward-looking training preparedness for new technologies. A case study and water industry survey provided additional information for review. Five key operating principles proved important to operator development and training. It was found that the Australian water industry lacks workforce competency and management practices that are well-established in the aviation, nursing, electrical and engineering industries, and that many utilities do not use the Water Industry Operators Certification Framework, even though this provides the best pathway to frontline operator competency and management. It was concluded that the Australian water industry would benefit from considering regulatory changes to drive a nationally consistent governance approach to the provision of frontline operator training and competency certification.

Water treatment plants (WTP) produce safe drinking water that does not contain harmful microscopic pathogens, but subsequent pipe-leaks or valve or hydrant malfunctions en route to the customers tap increase the risk of pathogens entering the public water supply. International studies indicate a small increase in gastroenteritis for some customers downstream of mains pipeline breaks and repairs. This research compiled Australian cases and found that health risks are probably lower than international examples for many reasons, including that sewer and drinking water pipes tend not to be laid in the same trench. After improving understanding regarding the contamination risks of renewal and water main repair activities in Australia, a control and management framework was produced in accordance with the ADWG. This gives guidance to water utilities about staff training, risk assessment and optimal documentation processes for dynamic site evaluations and repair control mechanisms.

The ADWG prioritises the removal of microscopic pathogens (and the toxins some produce) from public drinking water supplies to prevent large scale outbreaks of illness. This principle underlies the importance of adhering to consistently high standards of water treatment plant (WTP) operation and maintenance. This Guide refers primarily to the conventional WTP processes of chemical pre-treatment, coagulation, flocculation, clarification, filtration and disinfection; and establishes target criteria and critical limits for each step in the treatment process. The Guide is designed to provide water utility managers and operations staff with a concise reference document to optimising the WTP processes that produce microbially-safe drinking water and additionally supports the establishment of microbial Health-based targets.