Lorne school becomes 100th to join water saving program

LORNE P-12 College has become the 100th school in the Barwon region to join the Victorian Government’s Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP).

Grade four to six students participated in an incursion with Barwon Water last week to celebrate the occasion.

Pupils were taken through a series of workshops where they learnt some trusty tips on sustainable water use at school and at home.

The SWEP enables schools to track their water usage via data-loggers and an online monitoring dashboard.

Participating local schools have helped save 1.14 billion litres of drinking water, and $3.7 million in water and wastewater charges.

Lorne P-12 College principal Carly Stafford said water efficiency was crucial for both the sustainability of the school and the broader Lorne community.

“By teaching students the importance of conserving water, we’re fostering responsible habits which will benefit both our local environment and future generations.

“It’s essential we lead by example in using our resources wisely, and SWEP gives us the tools to do just that.”

Barwon Water general manager of customers, community and strategy Laura Kendall said the program continues to have many benefits for users.

“We do find water leaks in schools from time to time, resulting in high water losses and unnecessarily high bills.

“Through SWEP, schools can monitor their water usage and detect leaks before it costs them valuable water and money.

“The program also provides great maths, science and environmental study opportunities, using real-world examples that children can relate to and understand.”

For more information on the SWEP, head to barwonwater.vic.gov.au/community-and-education/teachers-and-students/swe