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Title / Describe and design water features for landscape work
Level / 4 / Credits / 5
Purpose / This unit standard is for people working, or intending to work, in landscaping. People credited with this unit standard are able to: describe water movement and how it can affect landscape features; describe types and characteristics of water features; identify design characteristics and requirements for water used in landscape features; and sketch and label construction details for water features.
Classification / Horticulture > Landscape
Available grade / Achieved
Guidance Information
1 Workplace procedures refer to verbal or written instructions to staff on procedures for the worksite and equipment.
2The New Zealand Standards covering architectural drawing applicable to this unit standard are: NZS/AS 1100.101:1992 Technical drawing – General principles, andNZS/AS 1100.301:1985 Technical drawing – Architectural drawing, available from
3Landscape design covers the development of design solutions for simple, single occupier residential sites.
4Design enterprise standards and/or procedures may include but are not limited to quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, ethics, interpersonal behaviour and design. An acceptable standard would be comparable to ISO9000 certified enterprises and /or organisations, and those standards set by an incorporated professional or trade body such as Landscape Industries Association of New Zealand or New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects.
5Legislation relevant to the client’s needs and requirements may include but is not limited to the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, Building Act 2004, Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, Fair Trading Act 1986, Privacy Act 1993, and the Resource Management Act 1991.
6Design work requiring certification will be undertaken by a registered engineer.
Outcomes and performance criteria
Outcome 1
Describe water movement and how it can affect landscape features.
Performance criteria
1.1Water surface tension is described in terms of its effects on landscape features.
1.2Water movement effects are described in terms of the characteristics that landscape features must have to create them.
Rangesheet fall, flow forms.
1.3The effects of pipe diameter, length, and fall are defined in terms of water pressure and flow rates.
Outcome 2
Describe types and characteristics of water features.
Performance criteria
2.1Types of still water features used in landscape work are defined in terms of the characteristics of each type.
Rangeponds, pools, lakes, bog gardens.
2.2Types of flowing water features used in landscape work are defined in terms of the characteristics of each type.
Rangestreams, weirs, waterfalls, fountains, mechanical constructions or art pieces.
2.3Water circulation systems are described in terms of the functions and limitations of components.
Rangepumps, pipework, control systems, distribution components.
Outcome 3
Identify design characteristics and requirements for water used in landscape features.
Performance criteria
3.1Design features of water used in landscape water features are described in terms of the range characteristics.
Rangeflow, colour, translucence, reflection, sound.
3.2Strategies used to change or enhance design characteristics of water are described in terms of their effects.
Rangedamming, spilling, ponding, channelling, spraying.
3.3Design requirements addressed when using water in landscape features are described in terms of their influence on the design solution.
Rangesource and related approvals, flow characteristics, volume, pressure, reticulation, supply, retention, recycling, disposal; prevailing climatic conditions.
3.4Description provided identifies requirements to be considered when planning water features in localities where water resources are limited.
Rangerequirements may include but are not limited to – impact on water supplies, ethics of use of a scarce resource.
Outcome 4
Sketch and label construction details for water features.
Rangetwo or more still water features selected from – concrete, masonry, rock, sprayed concrete, fibreglass or plastic, or flexible liner construction;
two or more flowing water features selected from – streams, weirs, waterfalls, fountains, mechanical constructions or art pieces; symbols and labelling dimensions.
Performance criteria
4.1Cross sections through water features are drawn freehand to show formwork, reinforcing, concrete, and other components in place, each identified using symbols and labelling.
4.2Details of finishes of water features are drawn freehand and identified using symbols and labelling.
Rangefixings for other work, drainage, waterproof membranes, surface finish, surrounds.
4.3Maintenance requirements are described in order to keep water feature up to an industry standard.
Rangemay include but is not limited to – water clarity, weed, algae and wild life.
Replacement information / This unit standard and unit standard 12401 were replaced by unit standard 31083.This unit standard replaced unit standard 12400 and unit standard 12486.
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 25 September 2006 / 31 December 2019
Review / 2 / 29 March 2018 / 31 December 2019
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0032
This CMR can be accessed at
Primary Industry Training OrganisationSSB Code 101558 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018