Using and saving water at school

Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent, but we are one of the highest users of water per person. It’s important to use water wisely so we have a secure source of drinking water for the future.

How to save water at school

Here are some top tips to save water at school, or download this handy fact sheet:

Report leaks

Get someone to fix any leaking taps, water fountains or toilets as soon as they are reported.

Make it a classroom activity to check for leaks regularly.

Talk to others about water

Raise awareness of the importance of water by creating colourful posters on water use and water saving.

You can even start your own water saving team.

Install aerators on taps

Talk to your maintenance coordinator about installing or fitting the taps in your school with aerators.

Aerators reduce the amount of water flowing from the tap by up to 50%, while maintaining the pressure.

Install rainwater tanks

Talk to your principal, maintenance coordinator and school council about installing rainwater tanks.

Once installed, you can connect the tanks to your toilets or use the water for your school gardens or vegie patch.

Water saving tips you can use at home and school

Collect excess water and use it wisely

Place ice cream containers under school water fountains and use excess water in the garden.

If you're not using the tap, turn it off

Turn the tap off as soon as you've washed your hands. Put signs near the basins to remind students to do the same.

Use a container to wash your brushes

Instead of washing your brushes under a running tap, put some water in a bucket or ice cream container and rinse your brushes in there. 

Use a refillable water bottle

Bring a water bottle with you whenever you leave the house. At the end of your day, you can pour any leftover water onto the garden.