Schools embrace water smart ways

UP TO 500 places are available for a program which will help schools save water and money.
The State Government’s Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP) is open to all schools in Victoria, and is a voluntary program using technology to detect and rectify leaks and, in most cases, reduce water bills.
More than 190 Victorian schools have already joined SWEP, where they are provided access to subsidised water data loggers, which provide teachers and students with daily water use information via a website.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin said many schools had used this information to identify and fix leaks in their water systems, with one school reducing its quarterly water bill by 49 per cent.
“The technology is also supported with teaching materials, which can be incorporated into maths and science classes to help teach students about water efficiency in a relevant way,” Mr Battin said.
Victorian Water Minister Peter Walsh says SWEP was an excellent example of the State Government’s integrated approach to improving Victoria’s water sustainability and resilience.
“SWEP provides an opportunity for Victorian schools to drive generational change in the way water is valued by our school students,” Mr Walsh said.
“I encourage all schools in the Gembrook electorate to consider taking up this great initiative.”
SWEP is free for the first year with the following two years costing around $150 per year for schools.
Authorised school representatives can register by visiting www.myswep.com.au
SWEP won the 2012 Victorian Australian Water Association Program Innovation Award and it was a finalist in the National Awards this year.