Water demand is growing rapidly, so water conservation is a critical issue. But schools can play a vital role in achieving this. By adopting water-saving practices and better water management, schools can save money on bills, reduce water waste, and teach pupils the importance of saving water. So what are some of the best ways to save water in schools?

How to save water in schools

According to the Department for Education, over £120 million a year is spent on water across the UK’s school estate. So the best way to save money and our most precious natural resource, is to introduce water-saving practices and use water conservation devices. Here are a few things you can try in your school.

Fix any leaks and drips

Even a minor leak or the slowest drip can waste significant water over time. Have a team of people regularly check everything from toilets, taps, showers, and any other plumbing fixtures and fittings so they can be repaired quickly to prevent waste.

Fit water-saving products

Replacing traditional taps and showers with water-saving versions can significantly reduce school water usage. Fitting sensor and push button taps and showers will shut the water flow after a certain time. If replacement showers are a step too far, try low-flow shower heads.

Water-saving toilets

Toilets are one of the biggest uses of water in schools, so fitting water-saving devices to them is a great way to save water and money. If you can install new toilets, consider dual-flush or low-flow models. Or use ‘save a flush’ water displacement devices inside cisterns.

Water-saving urinals

Urinals are an excellent water-saving alternative to toilets, but understanding the type of flushings and their timings can save even more. Turning off urinals after school hours, over weekends, and on holidays and reducing their flush frequency can make a real difference, but consider urinal sensors or push-button flush urinals.

Harvest rainwater

Rainwater harvesting systems can be an excellent way to save water. Collecting rainwater from rooftops for toilet flushing instead of mains water may be a high-cost investment, but it’s a surefire way to save water and money in the long term – and reduce the school’s carbon impact.

Get wise with garden watering

School gardens are an excellent way to teach pupils about nature and the environment, but their upkeep can also use a lot of water. Consider planting more drought-resistant plants and shrubs and use water butts for general watering or drip-feed irrigation systems for larger gardens.

Create a water action plan

Short-term fixes are good, but long-term solutions are even better at saving water in schools. Conducting a full water audit can help identify every area of water consumption and where water can be saved. With this info, you can set guidelines for saving and conserving your water across your school.

Educate staff and pupils

School is all about learning, so sharing your findings about water conservation at school is a great way to get staff and pupils involved, raise awareness, and get on board with adopting water-saving habits. Every action, however small, can help your school become water efficient.

Help save water in your school with Thirsty Work

At Thirsty Work, we have various energy and cost-saving products to help save water in every school, from bottled water coolers and hot water dispensers for teachers to drinking water fountains and water bottle fillers for every pupil.

For more information on any product, to get your free quote, or to start your no-obligation 10-day free trial, call our team on 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com