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Saving water at school

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    Schools use water in their toilets, sinks and drinking taps. When water is used in many ways there’s a higher chance of leaks and water waste. 

    Here are some strategies to help your school save water and use water wisely.

    Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP)

    SWEP helps all Victorian schools to find leaks, save water and promote water education.

    The program uses water meter data loggers to track water usage and detect leaks. Early detection is vital to saving water and money.

    The program also provides students with an opportunity to learn about water efficiency at school and at home and is supported by dedicated curriculum resources, which use the real water consumption data from the data loggers to teach students about using water and how to identify leaks.

    Joining SWEP

    If you’re a teacher, parent or student, check if your school is part of SWEP. If your school is not part of the program, download and fill in a justification letter that outlines all the reasons to join SWEP. 

    Schools can register online via the SWEP website. You’ll need the following information before starting the registration:

    • how many students and staff are at your school 
    • your school’s water bill account 
    • your water corporation’s name: Greater Western Water 
    • pictures of your school's water meters

    Cost 

    The Victorian Government funds the first year of the program and ongoing cost per year for schools is $150.

    To find out more check out these case studies on the SWEP website, get in touch with us at education@gww.com.au or download the SWEP brochure. 

    SWEP Brochure June 2023 (PDF 2.02 MB)

     

    Did you know?

    Last financial year, the 191 schools in our service region that are part of the SWEP program saved 78.1 million litres of water and saved an estimated $331,400.

    Learn more about SWEP

    ResourceSmart Schools: Water Module

    ResourceSmart Schools is an award-winning Victorian Government program that helps schools be sustainable in everything they do.

    The Water Module shows students where water comes from and how it gets to their school. It also helps students understand that water is a precious resource and how to use it wisely.

    The Water Module also gives schools information on how to reduce their water usage and save money on bills.

    Find out more at the Sustainability Victoria website.

    Other ways to save water in school

    In toilets

    Use half flushes when appropriate so you don’t use more water than necessary.

    At sink taps and drinking taps  

    Turn the tap off properly after you’ve used it. Your school might have automatic or timed taps, which switch off after a set running time. If a tap is still leaking after you’ve turned it off tightly, let your school know so they can fix it.

    When using washing machines or dishwashers

    Only do full loads of dishes or washing. 

    Find out more

    Water education