Seaweek 2009: A climate for change - "Education and Action"

Ideas to investigate, conserve and manage water better in the school

Get started

Find out about schools actively protecting and conserving water

Learn about schools that are already actively involved in managing water.
See: www.environment.gov.au/education/aussi for information about the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative.

All schools can manage water more sustainably by:

Minimising water that is used on site
Implementing water conservation techniques and practices
Recycling and reusing water on site
Controlling water runoff, so as to minimise erosion and the flow of nutrients and pollutants to adjacent areas
Enhancing water supplies through the use of stormwater ponds and water tanks
Using best practice environmental management practices for potable water supplies, groundwater, stormwater, grey and brown water and environmental flows
Integrating water issues into the curriculum
Involving the community in actions to minimise impacts on the water cycle.

Encourage students to read the following case studies for information.

Get Involved

Have you ever thought about how your school can:

Establish a water-saving policy and goals
Establish a water usage monitoring system
Minimise leaks through regular maintenance, monitoring and replacement of pipes and fixtures
Fix dripping taps and leaks quickly
Adjust water pressure in every building appropriately
Publicise goals and progress in water conservation activities
Encourage the whole school community to review their own practices of water conservation and reduce water use on an individual basis
Install a rainwater collection system
Install a water recycling system
Install 5A rated low-flow taps, showerheads and dishwashers
Hand wash dishes wherever possible
Install dual flush toilets or composting toilets
Install waterless or composting urinals
Use tap timers to automatically shut off after a given length of time
Landscape with vegetation appropriate to the climate
Irrigate early I the morning or late at night to minimise evaporation
Water only where it is necessary
Mulch gardens to reduce evaporation
Never hose to clear leaves or dirt from areas but use a broom instead.

Take Action

Take action by:

Establishing a Water Leadership Team at the school
Gain the support of your Principal
Timetable regular meetings
Ensure the team includes teachers, students, the Student Representative Council (SRC), parents, library staff, canteen staff, building and grounds staff and community members (anyone who uses water!)

Raising Awareness

Educate your school community about your intentions
Place useful water links on your school website
Hold ‘Water’ days
Design signage with information about how to reduce water consumption
Invite guest speakers, hold school expos and demonstrations, create curriculum focus days and promote your achievements in the sustainable use and management of water
Use water as a focus in newsletters, assemble presentations, creative activities and competitions
Initiate an award program to motivate staff and students to conserve water
Report on the achievements made to the Parents Group. School Council and Student Representative Council.

Making a whole school commitment

Schools can make a whole school commitment to use and manage water sustainably by:

Auditing how much water is used
Obtaining copies of the school’s water bills and identifying consumption over the last couple of years;
Locating the school’s water meter(s), reading it in the morning and afternoon (at the same time) each day for a week or two and recording the readings;
Checking the condition of the school’s water fixtures;
Setting goals and targets that the school aims to work towards;
Developing a plan;
Implementing, monitoring and reviewing the plan.

Focussing on water in the curriculum and school